The refurbishment and extension of a detached villa in Restelo, Lisbon, transformed a 1960s-era property into a contemporary home while respecting its original charm.
Untouched since its construction, the house underwent a comprehensive redesign to modernize its layout and seamlessly integrate the indoor and outdoor spaces.
A key highlight of the intervention was the enhancement of the backyard with a sleek, long, and narrow swimming pool, complemented by large French pocket windows that open widely to the outdoor area. This design allowed the garden to function as a natural extension of the indoor living spaces, fostering a stronger connection between the interior and exterior environments.
Special attention was also given to the patio at the end of the stairs, which floods the core of the house with natural light and incorporates green, natural elements into the interior.
The house was restructured to include a new partial basement floor, which now houses technical areas and a storage area.
On the ground floor, the layout was reorganized to prioritize social interaction while maintaining distinct zones. The kitchen, separated from the rest of the social areas, is complemented by a guest toilet, a living room, and a dining room. The dining room and the office/library connect seamlessly, divided by a central fireplace that serves as both a functional and aesthetic element.
A striking pivoting entrance door adds a modern touch and serves as a focal point for the façade.
The upper floor was reimagined to create private, luxurious spaces, including two ensuite bedrooms and a master suite with a walk-in closet.
Noble materials such as wood, glass, natural stone, and handmade tiles were used throughout the design, enhancing the sense of quality and timelessness.
To create a contrast with the main façade, the back elevation was designed and punctuated by a series of windows and shutters, forming a pattern inspired by traditional Portuguese fish scale tiles. This pattern acts as a dynamic skin that filters sunlight, ensures privacy, and serves as a protective barrier against intruders.
The aim was to design a sophisticated and harmonious contemporary home which blended modern functionality with mid-20th-century charm, offering a perfect balance of comfort, style, and practicality.
Team:
Responsible Architects: João Tiago Aguiar
Project team: Maria Sousa Otto, Rita Cardoso de Lemos, Rúben Mateus, Susana Luís, Samanta Cardoso de Menezes, Diogo Romão, Nuno Sequeira, Giulia Giust, Pedro Vieira, Paulo Jorge Dias, Élvio Pereira, Ricardo Carvalho, João Fonseca, Gonçalo Coimbra, Carolina Silva, Francisco Barosa, Maria Reis, Renata Vieira.
Builder: Oficina dos Sonhos, Lda
Engineering: Engenharia 3.4
Landscape: Sofia Raimundo
Photography: Francisco Nogueira
Materials Used:
CIN: Paints
PADIMAT: Sanitary equipment & taps
GLS2: Carpentry
U-DECK: Flooring
JUNG: Switches & sockets
FRANCOMETAL: Metal works
AZULCER Azulejo: Ceramic tiles
