Invasive green terrain within

Silesian University of Technology, (Politechnika Śląska), Faculty of Architecture, Gliwice

Project idea

''Architecture as the City’s Fingerprint"
This project presents the conservation and transformation of Garagem de São José in Covilhã, Portugal, developed within the framework of a heritage conservation design course. The primary objective was to create a contemporary and sustainable urban space that honors the historical fabric of the site while addressing the everyday needs of both residents and visitors.
The project was inspired by the unique morphology of Covilhã – a city whose topography resembles a fingerprint. This central motif was translated into the spatial arrangement of the building and its surroundings. Green terraces, cascading pathways, and spaces for rest and reflection blend seamlessly with the existing landscape, creating a coherent and organic composition.
Special attention was given to the neighboring ruins, which were incorporated into the design as an integral element of the urban scenery. Surrounded by reflective water and relaxation zones, they evoke the atmosphere of traditional Portuguese gardens – places of peace and contemplation where architecture meets nature.

Project description

"Connection to Nature and Everyday Life"
Level -1 is a wellness space, designed as an oasis of calm and a point of contact with nature. The spa, featuring terraced greenery, water elements, and an infinity pool overlooking the mountains, attracts both locals and tourists. It responds to the growing demand for places of relaxation and health – while also strengthening Covilhã’s position as a year-round leisure destination.
The ground floor, meanwhile, serves as a center of daily life: a supermarket, bakery, and restaurant – essential, nearby functions located by a busy bus stop, ensuring convenience and accessibility. The carefully curated program addresses the city’s real needs, combining functionality with care for the local community.

"Art in Motion"
The first and second floors of the building are designed as dynamic spaces for activity and interaction. The first floor houses a gym, whose standout feature is a climbing wall adapted from the former garage ramp. This unusual element, visible through the glass façade, becomes a symbol of the building’s transformation and the new energy it embodies.
On the top floor is a billiard bar – a bright, open space thanks to rooftop skylights, offering a relaxed atmosphere for socializing. It’s a place where locals and tourists can meet, unwind, and connect.
The building operates around the clock – from morning coffee at the bakery, through afternoon relaxation in the spa, to evening gatherings at the bar. It’s a space that lives with the rhythm of the city, integrates the community, and fosters a new quality of urban life.

"Celebrating Identity"
This project not only responds to Covilhã’s current needs – it anticipates them. It transforms an existing building into a vibrant hub that celebrates history, nature, and modernity. Like a fingerprint, it reflects the city’s unique identity, merging aesthetics with function, memory with future vision.

Technical information

"Sustainable Renewal"
While respecting the historical character of the building, the project introduces deliberate, contemporary solutions. These include the replacement of window joinery with modern, energy-efficient ones, the addition of large glass panels on the ground floor, and a new north-facing glass façade – all of which open the interior to the city and allow the building to function in accordance with sustainable development principles.
On the adjacent wall, an air-purifying mural serves not only as an artistic accent but also as a symbolic seal of the project’s ecological dimension. It is a conscious declaration of care for the environment and the aesthetics of public space.

Created in: