ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Assembleia da Granja Reconstruction Preserves Collective Memory

architecture-design · 2026-04-06

Lousinha Arquitectos has finalized the renovation of the Assembleia da Granja, a historic site in Praia da Granja, Portugal, which dates back to the late 19th century and was once visited by King Carlos I among others. After standing vacant for more than forty years, the initiative aimed to honor collective memory while accommodating modern living needs. Although some demolition was required, the reconstruction preserved the original architectural style and scale. The eastern pediment stones were meticulously reassembled using anastylosis techniques. The development features 14 apartments and two commercial units, offering a variety of layouts. Natural light floods the basement through skylights. This project addresses a historical void in Granja's urban landscape, enticing new residents and enhancing the local economy.

Key facts

  • Assembleia da Granja was built in the late 19th century.
  • The building was abandoned for over forty years.
  • Reconstruction was carried out by Lousinha Arquitectos.
  • Stones from the eastern pediment were dismantled, numbered, and reassembled.
  • The project includes 14 apartments and two commercial spaces.
  • An east-west axis organizes access and circulation.
  • The western extension features a sculptural brise-soleil.
  • The intervention aims to boost the local economy.

Entities

Artists

  • King Carlos I
  • Queen Amélia
  • Eça de Queirós
  • Camilo Castelo Branco
  • Sofía de Mello Breyner
  • Ramalho Ortigão
  • Paulo Lousinha
  • José Miguel Figueiredo
  • Rafael Sangareau
  • Shen Qian
  • Francisco Pinhal
  • Ana Mota Pinto
  • Elisa Lousinha
  • Susanna Moreira
  • Ivo Tavares
  • José Magalhães Sanches
  • José Fonseca
  • Pedro Tavares
  • José Luís Dias
  • D. Carlos
  • D. Amélia
  • Luís
  • Sophia de Mello Breyner
  • Guilhermina Suggia

Institutions

  • Lousinha Arquitectos
  • Companhia da Assembleia da Granja, S.A.
  • Construtora Secular, S.A.
  • Bai - Building and Innovation
  • Ivo Tavares Studio
  • Saint-Gobain
  • BRUMA
  • CS Coelho da Silva
  • Velux

Locations

  • Praia da Granja
  • Portugal
  • Granja
  • São Félix da Marinha

Sources