The Escadinhas Building, nestled on a charming, meandering street, has recently undergone a magnificent transformation. Local architects, Aurora Arquitectos, have skillfully combined modern elements with a touch of elegance to restore this architectural gem.
The front and rear facades of the site presented a striking contrast. While the entrance showcased a narrow street with a mix of recently refurbished and degraded buildings, the rear side offered a breathtaking panoramic view of the historic neighborhoods and the urban landscape of Lisbon.
Despite its initial state of degradation, the original modest building covering an 80 square meter plot was preserved, with the interior requiring complete demolition.
Aurora Arquitectos maintained the building’s original typology, ensuring that the entrance connected to a side staircase providing access to the three apartments, one on each floor.
In terms of internal organization, the three apartments were designed with a focus on spacious social areas, minimizing the need for excessive circulation space. As a result, the living rooms and kitchenettes extended throughout the entire depth of the building, seamlessly connecting with the remaining compartments.
One of the standout architectural ideas emerged from this approach to internal organization. To optimize circulation space, the doors leading to the social areas were cleverly concealed as secret doors, integrated into a beautifully painted wooden panel. The size of the stripes on this panel perfectly matched the outlines of the doors and windows, creating a harmonious visual effect.
The attic was transformed into a duplex, featuring bedrooms and a terrace on the upper floor. To further optimize circulation, the stairway was centrally located, providing direct access to the bedrooms. With the inclusion of a triple dormer window, the terrace and bedroom windows offered ample natural light and stunning views.
Aurora Arquitectos successfully revitalized the building, preserving its original charm while incorporating innovative design elements to enhance the living spaces. The project stands as a testament to their expertise and commitment to creating functional and visually appealing architectural solutions.