The rehabilitation of this apartment in Lisbon is an example of the transformative power of architecture, even if confined to interior spaces. Integrated into a residential complex from the 1980s, the 300m2 apartment was originally designed as a five-bedroom residence, characterized by many rooms and confined corridors.
The intervention broke the restrictions of traditional design, adopting an open and interconnected concept that intertwines the various social spaces, taking advantage of different solar orientations and the constant change of natural light. The result is a spacious three-bedroom apartment, with a lounge, tv room and office, offering an almost loft-like environment that exudes a feeling of decompression.
At the heart of the intervention is a large custom piece of furniture, which not only defies convention, but encapsulates the very essence of the space. This iconic element harmoniously involves concrete structural elements, the building's essential ducts and a fireplace, all united in a warm gray lacquered carpentry. It becomes an unmistakable focal point, greeting visitors the moment they enter the apartment.
Redesigned to improve functionality and aesthetics, the kitchen and service areas also underwent a careful redesign. The kitchen, previously confined to the shadows, was strategically repositioned to make the most of the natural light that enters through the window.
Accompanying the transformation of the apartment, most of the doors now extend from floor to ceiling, emphasizing the verticality of the space and conveying a feeling of grandeur, even in a low-ceilinged space.
The oak herringbone parquet flooring covers the entire apartment, adding texture and sophistication to the general environment. In the bathrooms, a special effect is achieved through the use of natural Portuguese stones, which cover these intimate areas.
What sets this interior project apart is the unwavering respect for the existing structure and appreciation for its inherent qualities. The design proposal is subtle but impactful, serving as a testimony to the potential for transformation, while preserving the essence of the past. This apartment, now bathed in light and ample space, is a true reflection of contemporary urban life.
Team:
Architect: LADO Arquitectura e Design
Lead Architects: Hilária Neto and João Regal
Design Team: Constança Lino
Building Contractor: Paulo Araujo
Photography: Francisco Nogueira / Architectural Photography
Material Used:
1. Fassa Bortolo: Fassa Bortolo PuraCale lime based plaster
2. Viúva Lamego: Viuva Lamego hand made tiles
3. Bruma: Bruma Leaf Bathroom taps
4. Duravit: Duravit Starck 3 sanitaryware
5. THPG: THPG Duroplast switch system
6. Terracota do Algarve: Santa Catarina terracota roof tiles
7. Ogiva Global: Wood window frames
8. Ecosteel: Aluminium window frames
