WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Ivo Tavares Studio
What was once a dilapidated property in a vibrant suburb of Lisbon, Portugal, has been transformed into a modern abode that pays homage to its connection with the past.
Originally used for commercial purposes, this multi-story building in Campo de Ourique, a leafy neighbourhood in Lisbon, had fallen into a severe state of disrepair. Fragmentos, an architecture studio known for melding the traditional with modern urban design, was tasked with overhauling the original building and transforming it into Possidónio da Silva 37.
Fragmentos wanted to preserve the integrity of the original architectural features of the main façade by restoring the iron arched doorways and incorporating the original ceramic tiles. To keep the historical character of the façade intact without compromising the building, the architects cleverly disguised the new garage door, which swings inwards, to reveal a large parking area.
Inside, the house spans two floors. The social areas are located on the lower level, including adjacent living and dining spaces, with the latter separated from the kitchen by large glass doors. The upper level features two bedrooms and an ensuite bathroom, which opens onto the roof. The roof was completely redesigned to enhance verticality and allow natural light to enter through a skylight without altering the building’s height.
Green iron details complement the greenery that enters through the rear verandas overlooking the garden and its surroundings, bringing a sense of tranquillity to this busy area of Lisbon. The garden was reimagined across three levels to maximize the narrow plot. Several of the original fruit trees were saved and replanted to help establish shaded seating areas in the multi-level garden.
Interestingly, the ground floor also serves as a common area and passageway leading to a neighbouring property, Casa Prazeres 37. | fragmentos.pt/pt
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