Armazém — Porto, Portugal

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Armazém bedroom interior
(Image credit: José Campos)

When Fernanda Gramaxo bought the derelict 19th-century iron warehouse in Porto’s old Largo de São Domingos quarter, she had the unshakeable notion that beneath the crumbling masonry was a hotel in the rough.

Three years later, the Armazém (Portuguese for warehouse) is literally that – a raw space that Gramazo and architect Luis Sobral, of local firm Pedra Liquida, have swathed in shades of grey, timber, iron, original stonework, and acres of polished concrete.

Owing to the antiquity of the building, each of the nine rooms is configured differently with quirky bespoke furniture and storage spaces. The pervasive mood of the past looms large with Sé Cathedral, the Ferreira Borges Market, and the Douro river all within easy reach.

There is no restaurant, but before heading out to dinner, pair an aperitif on the terrace with stirring views of Clérigos Tower, São Domingos Square, Misericórdia church and Porto’s historical silhouette.

Armazém interior bed and bed stand

(Image credit: José Campos)

Armazém interior, doorway and roofing design

(Image credit: José Campos)

Armazém interior bedroom

(Image credit: José Campos)

Armazém interior lounge and hallway

(Image credit: José Campos)

ADDRESS

Largo de São Domingos, 74

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Daven Wu

Daven Wu is the Singapore Editor at Wallpaper*. A former corporate lawyer, he has been covering Singapore and the neighbouring South-East Asian region since 1999, writing extensively about architecture, design, and travel for both the magazine and website. He is also the City Editor for the Phaidon Wallpaper* City Guide to Singapore.