25 de Abril | Menniz

This project is essentially focused on spatial restructuring, with particular attention given to the apartment’s social areas. Our purpose was not only to enhance their daily use but also to readapt the entire apartment to a more contemporary way of living.

Between the living room and the kitchen, we removed the housekeeper’s bedroom walls – in Portugal, projects including a servant’s area were very common, and this former tradition can still be found on older buildings – allowing this to be converted into one large and continuously open living area.

The reconfiguration of these three different living spaces (kitchen, bedroom, and living area) into one single social area not only benefits from a greater spatial amplitude with dedicated zones for socializing and dining, but also from more natural light, as well as bigger movement fluidity between them.

The living area is worthy of a note. With only one window when the refurbishment began, it now boasts three wide openings overlooking the Tagus River and welcoming the afternoon sunlight to bathe all social spaces of the apartment.

To clearly distinguish the entrance area from the living spaces, a purpose-made cupboard in oak timber was designed. Acting as a reception console backdrop, it also helps to filter the relationship between social areas and the entrance hall.

The lighting proposal played a key role by complementing the overall finishes palette.
Materials were carefully chosen to create a comfortable, light, and warm atmosphere, seamlessly flowing throughout the apartment. Timber flooring was used for social and private spaces, with sandy coloured microconcrete covering the floor and walls of the bathrooms for a perfect balance.

Photography: Nuno Almendra