Portuguese Architectural Association takes over two revamped townhouses
Porto studio NPS Arquitectos has renovated a pair of matching townhouses and added a contemporary linking building to create a new headquarters for the Portuguese Architectural Association (+ slideshow).
![NPS Arquitectos creates a new headquarters for the Portuguese Architectural Association](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/07/new-headquarters-portuguese-architects-institute-nps-arquitectos-associados-_dezeen_936_14.jpg)
The new offices for the institute's northern region are located in the centre of Porto and are based around a pair of symmetrical buildings situated either side of a narrow lane.
The townhouses had fallen into a state of disrepair and were purchased by the organisation in 2002.
![NPS Arquitectos creates a new headquarters for the Portuguese Architectural Association](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/07/new-headquarters-portuguese-architects-institute-nps-arquitectos-associados-_dezeen_936_5.jpg)
NPS Arquitectos was tasked with refurbishing the buildings, making room for administration spaces that were relocated from a previous site.
The programme also included facilities for members such as teaching areas, a library and a meeting room.
![NPS Arquitectos creates a new headquarters for the Portuguese Architectural Association](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/07/new-headquarters-portuguese-architects-institute-nps-arquitectos-associados-_dezeen_936_6.jpg)
A process of careful conservation was adopted for one of the buildings, which had survived in good condition and retained many of its original features, including the marble-lined stairwell, stained-glass windows and intricate ornamental panelling.
![NPS Arquitectos creates a new headquarters for the Portuguese Architectural Association](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/07/new-headquarters-portuguese-architects-institute-nps-arquitectos-associados-_dezeen_936_7.jpg)
In contrast, the opposing structure had lost some its floors, walls and parts of the roof, meaning a more comprehensive renovation process was required.
"Our proposal established three types of architectural intervention," said NPS Arquitectos, "conservation or restoration, renovation and new construction."
![NPS Arquitectos creates a new headquarters for the Portuguese Architectural Association](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/07/new-headquarters-portuguese-architects-institute-nps-arquitectos-associados-_dezeen_936_16.jpg)
Renovations focused on maintaining the original character of the buildings while introducing some contemporary details.
This involved simplifying some of the architectural elements and implementing a minimal colour palette.
![NPS Arquitectos creates a new headquarters for the Portuguese Architectural Association](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/07/new-headquarters-portuguese-architects-institute-nps-arquitectos-associados-_dezeen_936_18.jpg)
The need for additional public spaces including an exhibition area, cafeteria, bookshop, co-working space and a small auditorium led to the development of an extension at the rear of the plot.
![NPS Arquitectos creates a new headquarters for the Portuguese Architectural Association](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/07/new-headquarters-portuguese-architects-institute-nps-arquitectos-associados-_dezeen_936_15.jpg)
A minimal aesthetic expression was intentionally applied to the design of the new addition, creating a distinctive contrast with the more decorative exteriors of the townhouses.
![NPS Arquitectos creates a new headquarters for the Portuguese Architectural Association](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/07/new-headquarters-portuguese-architects-institute-nps-arquitectos-associados-_dezeen_936_11.jpg)
"The image of the new building would be simple and discreet, in contrast with the exuberance of the existing buildings," the architects added.
"We wanted to create a new composition unit between the different constructions."
![NPS Arquitectos creates a new headquarters for the Portuguese Architectural Association](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/07/new-headquarters-portuguese-architects-institute-nps-arquitectos-associados-_dezeen_936_10.jpg)
The two-storey extension abuts the rear walls of the two existing buildings, forming a U-shape that encloses a courtyard. Glazed surfaces face this outdoor space, ensuring natural light penetrates the interior.
A stairwell connects the ground and first floors, and is topped with skylights to provide an additional source of daylight.
![NPS Arquitectos creates a new headquarters for the Portuguese Architectural Association](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/07/new-headquarters-portuguese-architects-institute-nps-arquitectos-associados-_dezeen_936_9.jpg)
The exterior is kept simple, with clean-lined surfaces and a basic material palette. Details such as concealed guttering and flush-mounted skylights ensure this expression is maintained, even when the extension is viewed from above.
Internally, timber-fronted cabinets and the staircase's brass handrail introduce warm, tactile details to the otherwise minimal and austere scheme.
![NPS Arquitectos creates a new headquarters for the Portuguese Architectural Association](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/07/new-headquarters-portuguese-architects-institute-nps-arquitectos-associados-_dezeen_936_12.jpg)
The Portuguese Architectural Association isn't the only architecture organisation with a new office – the Royal Institue of British Architects in London recently moved into a new space by local studio Theis + Khan.