A family retreat in the
heart of Lisbon

This Lisbon townhouse began life as a collection of apartments. In the nineties, it was merged into one property, which left it with an office-like feel – vast open spaces, with no rhythm or intimacy. With huge potential, and located next to the city’s botanical gardens, our design reintroduced scale and purpose, and the building now has the proportions and texture of the peaceful family home our clients were looking for, balancing practical living with timeless and natural materials.

A fresh approach was required, to transform the space and create a stronger, more natural connection to the property’s outside areas. A significant design intervention – the introduction of a gently curving terrace – has enabled much easier flow between the first floor kitchen and dining area and the garden below. Inside, kitchen, dining and living spaces are open, yet clearly defined, each oriented to views and all connecting to the sweeping terrace.

To generate a sense of scale and homeliness, freestanding walls and screens bring definition, while keeping a sense of airiness, and allowing for glimpses of views and light throughout. In places, lowered ceilings add to the sense of intimacy and bespoke joinery, such as benches, storage cupboards and shelving, bring practical yet beautiful touches. The staircase leads down to the wellness space, with gym, sauna, steam room and spa. This new area quietly extends the life of the house across levels and is now much more open to the garden.

With easier access and greater visibility, due to the new terrace, there is a much stronger connection between the house and the garden. A timber-lined pool house sits nestled among the foliage, and, at night, its soft lighting draws focus to the far end of the garden.

Inside, the original staircase has been transformed, with wide Douglas Fir boards and timber slats, making it lighter and warmer, while establishing stronger links between floors. Upstairs, slot windows and soft curves create calm, bright spaces. The principal bedroom is enclosed by curtains that catch the breeze, with a headboard wall separating it from the dressing room and bathroom.

Throughout, ceilings are untrammelled by hardware, with considered use of wall lamps and concealed lighting, which results in an inviting atmosphere, even in areas with limited natural light.

Neutral tones and materials promote a welcoming mood – a natural wall plaster is used as a ribbon to subtly link spaces, its slightly rough finish catching the light. Soft white stone flooring, traditional Portuguese tiles and beautiful understated fittings complete the ambience. This is now an elegant yet relaxing home, fit for modern and changing lifestyles, while also respecting the building’s heritage and location.