Rebuilding

Railworker House Minho — Rebuild, Artwork

Concept & Design

No Pink Studio, Stefan Bullerkotte

Photography

No Pink Studio, Edgard Berendsen

While at the notary’s office for another project, the tenants of this house asked if we could help rebuild it. Spontaneity? Check. Love for northern Portugal? Double check. The challenge: fitting 8 people into 36 square meters while preserving the house’s listed status. How could we say no? The cherry on top was an artwork which we developed and realized for the annex bathroom.

This house, tucked alongside the ocean-side railway, had been abandoned for years—overgrown, crumbling, and in desperate need of love. With the chance to bring it back to life we were all in.

We got to work: two cozy bedrooms, a living area with a fireplace, and a gallery-level sleeping space for the kids, with the open roof as the centerpiece of the house. We restored the original façade with care. Skylights, a terrace, and a glass-enclosed veranda were added. That stunning stone wall? Preserved as a standout interior feature. The roof? Rebuilt in traditional Portuguese timber to keep its authentic soul intact.

From the very beginning, we had another vision close to our hearts: What if we could infuse this beautiful space with a truly unique mural? Something unexpected—a hidden gem that reveals itself as you step into the courtyard. Collaborating with Kristina Wedel and Mareike Windisch, we developed a concept that beautifully captures the warmth and essence of home. Together with Mareike, we created illustrations that span all three sides of the house, telling stories of community, nature, and the vibrant life of this beautiful region. Brought to life with passion on-site, this mural is a heartfelt homage to Minho and the unforgettable moments yet to unfold within this special place.