Bairro do Boneco, (Portugal)
A residential renovation provides affordable housing while paying homage to the town’s history
| Project type | Public Spaces, Residential |
| Location | Entroncamento |
| Architect | adarq architects |
| Roca Products | Foro undercountertop basin, Inspira Round wall-hung Roca Rimless® toilet, Euret electronic urinal, Meridian wall-hung basin, Access folding grab bar |
| Year | 2025 |
From uninhabitable ruins to architectural gem
A frequent issue in former industrial towns in Europe, and elsewhere, is how to preserve the history of the area, while making space for new developments to accommodate contemporary living standards and a growing population. In the case of Bairro do Boneco, in the mid-sized city of Entroncamento, Portugal, architect Andre David, of adarq architects, has reimagined a small community from former railway quarters that date back to 1920, and which had become uninhabitable.
The ‘neighbourhood’ consists of eighteen houses divided into two blocks, with a central green space and large tile panel by renowned architect Álvaro Siza that tells the story of Entroncamento and the neighbourhood. The renovated development also includes the creation of the National Railway Documentation Center, an exhibition space, and a Science Center, adding cultural value to the community.
Roca collaborated on the bathroom design for the housing complex and cultural centres, providing niche, multi-functional solutions for small families and individuals as well as for higher volume public bathrooms.
Timeless bathroom design meets Portuguese charm
Bairro do Boneco stands out for its bright white architecture that features brick chimneys and the iconic Portuguese red tiled roof. The renovation embraced the functional, compact housing plan from a century ago, adapting it to fit the needs of contemporary users.
The community development includes single-family homes and two-floor townhouses, all of which have small outdoor spaces. In this multiple unit-renovation, the bathrooms follow the same template, providing modern, timeless design that is underscored by functionality, energy savings and durability.
The minimalist yet warm bathroom design features grey walls and grey marble countertops that complement the white ceramic qualities of pieces such as Roca’s Foro under countertop basin and the Meridian basin. This vision carried over into the public bathroom spaces as well, where the design focussed on clean, modern aesthetics with functional, versatile products. The timeless design of Inspira’s wall-hung toilet was a perfect anchor in the bathrooms, providing a touch of elegance and comfort. The curving form of the Euret urinal complemented the look, while its electronic features make it an ideal choice for public use. The Access folding grab bars provided reassurance and enhanced accessibility.
The renovation of the Bairro do Boneco brings a positive impact on the community, offering a way to remember its important history that affected so many of its residents. Roca’s contribution to the welcoming, modern bathrooms ensures the project’s longevity and its
Images: Ivo Tavares Studio
