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Revealing the Original Face of the Ancestral Church of Fraião

Anabata Media · September 12th, 2022
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The restoration project of the Ancestral Church of Fraião by architect Nuno Ferreira Capa proves that architectural intervention should accompany analysis and appropriate decision-making. Moreover, this church is a historical building in Braga, Portugal.

The new face of the Ancestral Church of Fraião after restoration by architect Nuno Ferreira CapaThe new face of the Ancestral Church of Fraião after restoration by architect Nuno Ferreira Capa.

Previously, in the early 20th century, the Ancestral Church of Fraião had experienced interventions in cement mortar coating and painting for the inside and outside of its buildings. However, the extension degrades over time, so it needs to do a restoration.

Nuno Ferreira Capa, who was in charge of the restoration project, then conducted an in-depth analysis and found that there was no definite information about the construction of this church. Therefore, they decided to reveal the true character of this church by removing the degraded layers.

The original character of the stone-constructed church is seen after its cement mortar layer is removedThe original character of the stone-constructed church is seen after its cement mortar layer is removed.

Front view of the church with a bell tower on its right sideFront view of the church with a bell tower on its right side.

By maintaining the simple organization of the church space, Nuno Ferreira Capa elevates the character of each volume in the shape of a different rectangle. First, remove the mortar layer for the two volumes containing the nave area and the church's main hall to uncover the original stone construction that could become a new look. Meanwhile, a higher volume functioning as a bell tower proposes coating with a steel leather patina. The goal is to display a rusty layer that can create the impression of maturation of the building over time.

The bell tower is lined with steel leather patina to display a rusty coatingThe bell tower is lined with steel leather patina to display a rusty coating.

Details of the effect of rust on the construction of the church bell towerDetails of the effect of rust on the construction of the church bell tower.

Nuno Ferreira Capa added that the restoration design of the Fraião Ancestral Church he proposed also followed the principles of contemporary intervention that restored its original expression. Furthermore, as the church can accommodate thermal requirements, new exterior accessibility, interior acoustics, and lighting needs, it should also prioritize the restoration of choir spaces and altars with arched ceilings covered with wood, along with the installation of new ceramic panels and stained glass windows. Thus, the Fraião Ancestral Church can perform according to its original form without worrying about the progress of the times.

Nave area interiorNave area interior.

Altar of the churchAltar of the church.

The decision to reduce the elements that were once attached to this church was a form of formal symbiosis that encouraged significance, scale, and material performance at the time of its construction.

New ceramic panels located on one side of the altarNew ceramic panels located on one side of the altar.

ElevationsElevations.

 

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Architecture · Refurbishment ·