Miranda do Douro, Portugal
1999-2010
E.D.P. Imobiliária e Participações S.A.
The transformation of technological conditions in both control and production systems of Picote’s Central have led the Administration of the C.P.P.E to review the previous use of the building designed to lodge the leading staff and technical team.
The new destination, for its prominent quality as a whole, considers the same residential identity as before complemented now with a lot of activities that might allow a new life as well as a place for cultural zest.
Considering the 50 years of the building, more than a restoration intervention the construction works should be classified as works of extraordinary maintenance: to which only interest the epidermal parts (roofing, pavements and refurbishment) and the piping update and review.
The new functional areas involve a meeting / conference room and the makeover of some spaces such as the exhibition gallery where it can be found several elements referring to documentation of the International Douro’s Central Electric history – the new cathedrals of modernity. The rehabilitation oeuvre encloses, besides the hostelling building, a group of 5 houses and the whole surrounding area including the swimming pool and tennis court.