The old world charm of farmhouses scattered across rural Europe is undeniable. For a renovation by Fernando Coelho Architects in Felgueiras, Portugal, the goal was to modernize one such farmhouse while retaining as much of the original structure’s allure as possible.
Known as the RM House, this renovation brought an additional 200 square meters to the existing structure. In addition to increasing the size of the home, the layout was updated to be more open, modern, and provide better views of the outside from every room. Designers were also careful not to disturb too much of the home’s surroundings, opting to follow the land’s natural curves.
Throughout the renovation, maintaining the connection between old and new was critical. However, much of the interior was unsalvageable due to an advanced state of degradation. The updated interior features two floors, with the ground floor housing the entry, garage, laundry and storage areas. The second floor features a kitchen, pantry and dining room, the living room, two bedrooms with a bathroom, and a master suite with dressing room.