Candy-Colored Glass Illuminates a Passageway Between Renovated 16th Century Buildings in Portugal

There's nothing like a brilliant pop of color to brighten up the beginning of a new week. Giving new life to two 16th century buildings, Manuel Maia Gomes created a passageway between them that doubles as the Solar S. Roque Gallery in Portugal. Candy-colored glass panels and existing windows flood the passageway with gentle natural light while also protecting the art pieces displayed inside from harsh sunlight. Remnants of the old buildings are scattered throughout the project, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/house-made-entirely-from-recycled-granite-debuts-in-milan/">including granite walls</a> that have amazing thermal properties, and energy consumption is kept very low. For more details and a host of eye-catching images by <a href="http://ultimasreportagens.com/">Fernando Guerras</a>, click through the gallery after the jump.

Manuel Maia Gomes has incredible talent

Showing that the smallest interventions are often the most profound

The designers created a passageway between to 16th century buildings

That had reached the end of their useful life

Rather than an ordinary corridor

The passageway doubles as an art gallery

That is both naturally-lit and ventilated

The glass panels protect the art pieces

While controlling the temperature and available light

Many existing materials were kept during this renovation

Including granite walls that are bolstered occasionally by timber panels

Historical porticos and steps are also incorporated into the renovation

This space is not air-conditioned, thanks to the granite's superior thermal properties.