To enable family members spanning two generations

The clients approached us with a request to renovate their second home in Lisbon in such a way as to recreate some of the functionalities of their residence in New York. The brief was to enable family members spanning two generations, the clients and their young adult children, to live under one roof while establishing two separate wings.

The process began by studying possible redistributions of the space, significantly improving layout and habitability and creating a house with two family centres, each of which offers its own privacy. Légua da Póvoa's renovation project also enabled better interaction between private and social areas through a more open-plan arrangement, where family living spaces form the heart of the home.

The interior palette serves as a backdrop to the clients’ art and sculpture collection, with a soft monochromatic tone throughout not seeking to dominate. Oak wood, marble and glass-lined details add another layer of texture, forming a thoughtful and sophisticated atmosphere. Finally, the black and wooden kitchen can be hidden away when not in use, with its mobile wooden panels coming together to partition the kitchen from the large social space. The façade features a series of rhythmic openings towards the south, east and west, bathing the interiors with natural light and letting the surrounding views vibrate inside. Panoramic views allow the apartment to be transformed with each passing season, a welcoming quality for a second residence organically linked to its urban surroundings.

Along with the architectural design, we were also responsible for part of the engineering project.