Daycare Sanches
Description
The Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Leiria project reflects a careful intervention within contemporary architecture in Portugal, focused on restoring architectural heritage while adapting it to current institutional use. Designed by Contacto Atlântico, a top architecture firm in Portugal, the project aligns with the principles of high-end architecture, combining preservation, functionality, and public service.
The intervention establishes the institution’s headquarters in the buildings located on Rua Trindade Coelho, integrating the Daycare Sanches programme. The proposal respects the historical character of the ensemble while introducing the conditions necessary for contemporary use.
Architectural Design, Materiality and Functional Reorganisation
The project restores the existing building and removes later additions, including annexes, the funeral chapel, and maintenance areas associated with Hospital D. Manuel de Aguiar. This strategy clarifies the architectural reading of the ensemble and reinforces its original identity.
The internal organisation is aligned with the functional requirements of the headquarters. On the ground floor, Daycare Sanches accommodates 36 children and includes a 70-seat auditorium, ensuring both educational and community use.
Materiality is approached with care and consistency, preserving the existing character while introducing solutions that improve durability and performance. The intervention enhances spatial clarity and supports a coherent architectural language.
Accessibility is improved through the introduction of a lift, ensuring access for people with reduced mobility and reinforcing comfort and safety across the building.
Leading Architecture Firm in Portugal: Heritage and Public Use
The relationship between architecture and public function is central to the project, ensuring that the building continues to serve the community while preserving its historical value.
The Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Leiria project demonstrates how architectural rehabilitation can update institutional spaces with precision and respect. As part of Contacto Atlântico’s portfolio, it reinforces the studio’s position as a leading architecture firm in Portugal, recognised for delivering thoughtful and context-sensitive interventions.