Jardim de Belém

The refurbishment of this apartment was conceived to provide much sought-after privacy in an popular urban area that is home to some of Lisbon’s world-renowned iconic landmarks, namely, Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries, Belém Cultural Centre and the Jerónimos Monastery. Spectacular views of the latter building are to be enjoyed from one of the rooms, which affords an extraordinarily rare and privileged vantage point onto a Portuguese architectural marvel.

The apartment’s extreme state of disrepair and complete absence of any sanitary provisions resulted in the need for a profound architectural intervention. Several layers of decades-old flooring and suspended ceilings were carefully stripped back, allowing for the exposure of original features and easing unnecessary structural loads, while only very selective demolition of vertical elements was undertaken. Energy provision for the home is via solar panels on the roof of the building, and an air-water heat pump affords an efficient temperature regulation mechanism, minimising cooling and heating expenses. Materials were carefully selected to age slowly and in tandem with the original palette of the apartment: terracotta, sand, lias marble, pine and linen providing textures, tones and even smells that create a harmonious and gentle renewal of the interior.

Client: Private
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Budget: Private
Phase: On site
Date: 2019 -