Casa TB5 | Constante Design

The CasaTB5 project was born out of a need of the homeowner: to enjoy the forgotten spaces of the house, in particular the garden.

Our inspiration for redesigning the spaces of the flat was the very model of the garden neighbourhood of Arco do Cego, which introduced an innovative typology into the urban fabric of Lisbon in 1935, connecting architecture and the environment. We wanted to be faithful to the environment and give the flat the same model, replicating the harmony between architecture and environment, characteristic of the neighbourhood, and connecting the interior and exterior spaces of the house.

One of our main challenges has been to redesign the way of living in this house without altering the original distribution, the one from almost a century ago. This is because almost all the walls are load-bearing. And with two main objectives:

1. We intended to turn the garden, which was inaccessible and forgotten, into a natural extension of the house. Thus, we have transformed two rooms adjoining the garden into the living room of the house.

2. We wanted to transform the lower floor, which was difficult to access (from a trap door in the old living room) and was used for storage, into a living space. To do this, we changed the access to the lower floor, which is now from the hallway, and improved the transit with a metal staircase. We were able to add a bedroom and an office to the dwelling.

The transformation of CasaTB5 , originally built in 1935, stems from a deep respect for its history. The key to our intervention was to balance these historical elements with touches of modernity. To do this, we have maintained the original lines and materials, such as the wood of the floor or the mouldings, while introducing contemporary details that dialogue in perfect harmony.

The aesthetics of the project are inspired by the elements that define the Portuguese architectural and cultural heritage, incorporating functional and stylistic details that bring the house into the 21st century. One of the pillars of our renovation has been the use of handmade tiles from the Lisbon region, an iconic symbol of Portuguese tradition, both in the interior spaces and in the garden.

In addition, we incorporated Lioz stone, a limestone originating from the Lisbon region, is integrated into various areas of the home. From the living room floors to the bathrooms and kitchen, this stone brings a sense of solidity and timelessness, connecting contemporary design with more traditional use.