Archello Awards 2026 · Enter your projects before 30 September 2026
Archello Awards 2026 · Enter your projects before 30 September 2026
Condes de Caria
Luís Nobre Guedes

The Architecture and the "Sewing of Time"

The rehabilitation operates on a principle of a "Sewing of Time" ("Costura do Tempo"), bridging the gap between an 18th-century palatial estate and a cosmopolitan lifestyle.

The necessary modernization was achieved through an "invisible" expansion, adding an extra floor without disrupting the original morphological reading.

 Internally, the transition between past and present is materialized in the monumental staircase core.

The newly introduced sculptural staircase does not mimic the antique; instead, it establishes a clear, lightweight dialogue with the original stone steps, allowing a distinct reading of the different temporal layers without harming the hierarchy of the original elements.

photo_credit Luís Nobre Guedes
Luís Nobre Guedes
photo_credit Luís Nobre Guedes
Luís Nobre Guedes
photo_credit Luís Nobre Guedes
Luís Nobre Guedes

Integrated Heritage & Decorative Arts

The intervention meticulously restored the integrated arts that forge the palace's historic identity:

● Mural Paintings and Frescoes: Expert restoration utilizing period-appropriate materials

and techniques revived the original chromatic and figurative narratives hidden on the

walls.

● Carpentry and Ceilings: The spatial nobility was returned by restoring the grand coffered

(caixotão) and "saia-camisa" ceilings, as well as preserving the original wooden sash

windows to maintain the facade's historical integrity and rejecting uncharacteristic

replacements.

● Tilework (Azulejaria): Both indoor and outdoor original tile panels were cataloged,

consolidated, and remounted to seamlessly preserve their narrative and ornamental

function.

photo_credit Luís Nobre Guedes
Luís Nobre Guedes
photo_credit Luís Nobre Guedes
Luís Nobre Guedes
photo_credit Luís Nobre Guedes
Luís Nobre Guedes

The Palace-Apartments & Cosmopolitan Living

The development comprises 13 distinct units ranging from T1 to T5, defined by generous layouts, en-suite bedrooms, and premium finishes like natural stone and wood. The crown jewels of the project are two expansive "palace-apartments" that occupy the most noble areas of the building. These exclusive units retain the highest number of original rooms, characterized by majestic ceiling heights, restored frescoes, and authentic coffered ceilings. Modern luxury is seamlessly integrated via radiant underfloor heating, air conditioning, and bespoke fixtures.

photo_credit Luís Nobre Guedes
Luís Nobre Guedes
photo_credit Luís Nobre Guedes
Luís Nobre Guedes

Natural & Landscape Heritage

The 1,200 sqm outdoor space is not treated merely as a courtyard, but as a classified historic garden. The intervention safely guarded the centennial ecosystem, protecting large, botanically significant tree species so they could survive the construction. The restoration of the tiled "namoradeiras" (romantic seating walls) returned the space to its original function of recreation and contemplation. The lush environment is enhanced by an aromatic herb garden, dense floral shrubs, communal outdoor pools, and a contemporary glass gym pavilion, creating a private open-air sanctuary in the heart of Lisbon.

photo_credit Luís Nobre Guedes
Luís Nobre Guedes
photo_credit Luís Nobre Guedes
Luís Nobre Guedes
photo_credit Luís Nobre Guedes
Luís Nobre Guedes

Holistic Sustainability & Well-Being

A profound commitment to human-centric design ensures that luxury, comfort, and sustainability are deeply intertwined. The project implements comprehensive wellness strategies across multiple dimensions:

● Air & Water Quality: Advanced mechanical ventilation with strict air renewal rates,

continuous water quality monitoring, and a strict no-smoking policy in common areas

ensure a pristine living environment.

● Thermal & Acoustic Comfort: High-efficiency HVAC systems, radiant flooring, and

robust acoustic insulation decouple structural noise, promising a tranquil and thermally stable atmosphere year-round.

● Materials & Mind: The use of low-VOC materials minimizes exposure to harmful

substances. Over 75% of the common outdoor areas boast green cover, maximizing

natural light and the psychological benefits of visual and physical connections to nature.

● Community & Active Living: Universal accessibility, integrated spaces for outdoor

physical activities, an on-site orchard and herb garden for local food production, and

proximity to public transport all foster a healthy, inclusive, and cosmopolitan community.

photo_credit Luís Nobre Guedes
Luís Nobre Guedes
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