- Interior
In the heart of Porto, a characterful townhouse has been given a new lease of life that excels above all in its subtlety. For the Ceidofeita project, the design studio took its cue from the qualities that were already present, rather than from a desire to innovate. Authentic elements were retained and given a calm counterpart in contemporary additions. The interior feels refined and accessible, with spaces in which light, tactility and balanced proportions play a key role.
The creative vision behind the project comes from Garcé Dimofski, a studio that approaches architecture and design with a strong sense of material and composition. Their work often stems from observation. How does light enter a space? How do textures influence the atmosphere of an interior? From these questions emerges a design in which precision and coherence form the basis, rather than striking gestures. This approach also proved decisive for the refurbishment of this Portuguese home.
Inside, a tranquil atmosphere prevails, with various materials taking centre stage. The original wooden floors and decorative details form the foundation, complemented by handmade ceramics, natural stone and refined plastering techniques. The colours remain soft and nuanced, allowing shadows, reflections and surfaces to shift throughout the day. Rather than adding decoration, the studio chose to let the architecture itself take centre stage. 
The original wooden floors and decorative details form the foundation, complemented by handmade ceramics, natural stone and refined plastering techniques
The layout of the spaces was also approached with care. The home feels open and bright, and the historic structure remains recognisable. That balance between past and present runs like a thread through the project. The designers did not want to create contrast but rather evoke a sense of naturalness. New interventions therefore blend effortlessly with the existing context. 
Ceidofeita embodies a sense of sustainability and quiet cohesion, where contemporary design stands in a subtle and respectful relationship with history. New interventions thus seem almost self-evident and make way for an interior that is calm, precise and strongly connected to its context.
Photography by Inês Silva Sá
Text by Melissa Helsen