Originally built in Belgium, the structure was bought by the Portuguese colonial government and reassembled in 1892 in Maputo (at the time named Lourenço Marques).

The house is currently open to the public as a fine example of the experimental use of iron in European colonial architecture in the final decades of the nineteenth century.

Colonial administrations sought them out partly due to the fashionable nature of a construction material still perceived as a novelty within the context of domestic architecture,[4] but also for iron's fire-retardant and damp-proof properties, strength, and durability.

According to popular belief, the decision was motivated by the insufferable heat produced by the iron's prolonged exposure to the tropical sun.

[11][13] However, research has established that the climate was a minor, if not outright irrelevant, factor in the unexpected turn of events, with the Governor's preference for a more traditionally constructed building playing a much more substantial part.

Barroso converted the house into the seat of the newly established Instituto de Ensinho Rainha Dona Amélia, a missionary institute for female education.

[20] No foundations are needed for houses built with the Danly system, as the lightweight structures are simply mounted on top of an iron frame laid upon the ground;[20] this made the construction and the later relocation of the Casa de Ferro simple and fast processes.