Urban Freshness

28 / 05 / 2019
For more information, visit Lima Gaspar Lobato Santos Arquitectos and Branco sobre Branco website.
Photography: Alexander Bogorodskiy
It is in the heart of Baixa Pombalina in Lisbon, on Rua Augusta, that we find this surprising project designed by studio Lima Gaspar Lobato Santos. Although the 70 square meters apartment had already lost part of its distinctive characteristics, the team sought to make the adaptation to the clients’ contemporary lifestyle and needs, respecting the architectural heritage.

The idea was “to demonstrate that it is possible to live in an old building and enjoy contemporary comforts without compromising the initial matrix”, the studio tells us, which led them to make few changes in the typology (such as the introduction of an elevator and new infrastructure networks), taking advantage of original techniques and materials such as wood and lime.

The studio Branco sobre Branco was responsible for the interior design and wanted to create a fluid dialogue between the different spaces. The answer would end up taking shape through a simple and neutral decoration, with “arrangement of furniture following the symmetrical balance, materials with noble finishes and textures such as wood”. Highlights include the North Suspension lamp by Israeli designer Arik Levy, chairs inspired by Charles & Ray Eames RAR chair and painting by Maria Beatitude.