Vila Ferreira | KEMA studio

The interior renovation project of the ground floor and 1st floor is located in the center of the city of Estoril, in the building identified already in 1897 as chalet "Vila Ferreira".

The pre-existing space, altered by the various tenants over the last century, was very dysfunctional due to outdated compartmentalization not corresponding to the modern needs of the new owners.

The main objective of this project was the spatial reorganization of the first two social floors in order to create a more open and functional space and better organized accesses, with as little intervention as possible in the existing structure of the building.

To facilitate the entrance of light and circulation and to enhance the transparency of the two ground levels, we decided to create, through partial demolitions, new visual axes -- one on the ground floor, determined by the south and north entrances, and the other on the 1st floor, determined by the formal entrance hall and the living room. To facilitate the flow between the two floors and ease the connection with the exterior, we introduced the new core of the staircase at the intersection of these two axes, creating clear and functional vertical and horizontal communication.

In order to adapt the spatial organization of the 1st floor to the needs of new users, we decided to demolish the walls between the old kitchen and the living room, creating a completely open living room with a kitchenette, and at the same time preserving the informal distinction between these two spaces through differentiation of the ceiling heights. The opening in the slab, that remained after the removal of the old spiral staircase, was closed with a glass floor, enabling a visual connection between the room and the wine cellar created on the ground floor.

The fundamental point of this project was to enable the penetration by natural light throughout all the interior of the house. Thus, the new staircase was composed of two volumes - a heavy base, covered in wood, and a transparent suspended part, which allowed the entrance of the light to the ground floor, which, due to the very low ceiling, used to receive a very small amount of natural light. Additionally, to bring natural light to the hallway on the 1st floor, we introduced a semi-transparent bookcase on the wall of the dining room.

In the interiors we used mainly very light colors, which reflect light and which, through a play of shadows, accentuate the shape of decorative wall and ceiling frames, integrating into the concept of reinterpretation of the atmosphere of the old villa. With regards to flooring, we decided to lighten up the space by introducing a homogeneous finishing in light gray microcement on the ground floor. On the 1st floor, to create a more comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, we installed a traditional wooden floor over the existing stone.

To give the space its own identity we introduced some unique contemporary elements throughout the whole project. The kitchen island was made as a volume covered in granite stone that slides over the surface of the rough-finished concrete pillar. A natural concrete finishing was also used on the fireplace wall on which we installed the mirror surface, to break the classic symmetry and reflect the sunlight. In the entrance halls on the ground floor, we introduced a contemporary pattern using traditional cement tiles.

The bathrooms' design fits into the general concept, by reinterpreting the use of traditional Portuguese stone - Lioz - in a contemporary way, creating modern and, simultaneously, very elegant spaces.

 As a result, the project represents a modern reinterpretation of the traditional villa, which brought to the space the needed comfort, openness and brightness, creating interiors which are flooded by natural light.