Project Description

  • Unless Architecture Lisbon Deutsch Italiano
  • Unless Architecture Lisbon Deutsch Italiano
  • Unless Architecture Lisbon Deutsch Italiano
  • Unless Architecture Lisbon Deutsch Italiano
  • Unless Architecture Lisbon Deutsch Italiano
  • Unless Architecture Lisbon Deutsch Italiano
  • Unless Architecture Lisbon Deutsch Italiano
  • Unless Architecture Lisbon Deutsch Italiano
  • Unless Architecture Lisbon Deutsch Italiano
  • Unless Architecture Lisbon Deutsch Italiano

Project details

Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Category: apartment
Surface: 70 sqm
Floor: 2nd – Two levels Duplex
Intervention: interior renovation
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 2
Living room
Dressing room
Kitchen
Terraces: 3

Duplex 83

A spectacular apartment in Lapa, a historic area of Lisbon, completely renovated and transformed from a cheap and impersonal Airbnb into an apartment full of charm and joy.

A project, but also a story, that tells how a dream can turn into a concrete reality.

Project description

In what sense is it a story? In the sense that this project started even before the client had a house to refurbish. Unless accompanied the client from the search for the perfect property, and then during the acquisition and negotiation process, connecting him with all the professionals (real estate agents, lawyer, notary) necessary for a safe and easy purchase and sale, to developing the concept for remodelling and detailing the project in every part. Thanks to this consulting, the client was able to save a great deal, between acquisition costs, professional fees, and construction company costs.

The result is an exceptional apartment in all aspects, for its special features, such as location, river view, three terraces, brightness, as well as for the design elements that transformed it, such as materials, custom-made furniture, lighting, and functionality optimization.

The client deserves a lot of credit, in trusting our vision, deciding to dare and not be conservative in ideas and design.

When the apartment was acquired, it was completely colourless, with poor quality materials and in poor condition due to intensive and careless usage.

Through some calculated interventions, we unleashed the potential of the space and laid the foundation for re-imagining it in a creative and engaging way:

/ the access door that faced the living room was closed and the door to the hallway enlarged, allowing for a different layout of the living space

/ the layout of the kitchen was changed, effectively doubling its size and functionality

/ the old and ugly parapets were replaced by a solid volume that has its own character, projecting over the kitchen and living room in a harmonious and intentional way.

/ new divisions were created in the small bathrooms, generating different areas and conveying the impression that they are larger and more interesting, as well as comfortable and functional.

On this new “canvas” it was then possible to intervene by placing new materials and designing new custom, beautiful and functional furniture.

Unless Architecture Lisbon Deutsch ItalianoUnless Architecture Lisbon Deutsch Italiano
Unless Architecture Lisbon Deutsch ItalianoUnless Architecture Lisbon Deutsch Italiano

The living area is very small, so we decided to conceal as much as possible disturbing elements and appliances to give a feeling of order and calm. The storage space for organization is maximized and offers great potential. The curved and modern lines together with the colours inspired by the Portuguese architectural tradition create a contemporary, personal and welcoming atmosphere.

Each room has its own identity, and they all connect harmoniously, and when you move from one room to another, perspectives and colours change, giving the impression that the house is much larger than its mere 70 square meters.

Covering the ceiling with wooden stripes was not only an aesthetic choice: it allowed the integration of general lighting that was lacking, helped visually connect the two levels of the duplex and split the length of the duplex into three, making it seem larger. It improved the acoustics, brought the very high and angular ceiling closer together and visually softened it.

The terrace on the top floor has a spectacular view of the Tejo River and the April 25 bridge. To maximize its functionality, “matryoshka” loungers and containers were made that allow different configurations, being able to leave the terrace completely free, or offer two comfortable lounge chairs or even create a lounge area with L-shaped sofas to accommodate more people.

Also the rest of the house transforms:

/ the parapet is also a storage bench.

/ televisions, power outlets and functional elements are hidden behind sliding walls in the living room.

/ the multifunction oven is hidden by a retractable door to help the kitchen be more discreet and achieve a less technical look

/ hidden clothes racks are pulled out in the walk-in closet to dry clothes, and the mirror doubles as a space to put away the ironing board

Details like these are scattered throughout the entire apartment, like a little magic box full of clever ideas and secrets.

It was a great pleasure to work on this project and to see the client’s satisfaction throughout the process and upon completion. This is the result of excellent synergy between client and designer, and achievements like this are only possible when you rely on a professional from the beginning, with the knowledge of the added value their contribution can bring to the property and the investment you want to make.

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