São Mamede

The apartment is located on the top floor of a 19th-century building. The aim was to take advantage of the attic and the incredible view over the Sky, Tejo river, Baixa, and Castle without ruining the classical features and rich architectural decoration that would be restored.

Connected to a balcony facing the Tejo and Cathedral, the original rooms became the social area. Windows, doors, shutters, old stucco, haut-relief stucco ceilings, and wooden floor, were restored. In the place of the existing kitchen, a new stair to the attic creates a double-height hall that brings sunlight down through its skylights and into the kitchen. The kitchen is the heart of the house. In the attic, a big step was created in order to preserve the ceilings of the entrance floor. The step creates a transition space to access the bathroom, which can serve several informal uses, like office or play. The room on the step is huge and can be split in two, later, if the family grows. New windows and skylights flood the room with sun and a beautiful view.