One of the many things I love about Lisbon is the bustling neighbourhood and historic architecture.

Graça 117 is one of the rehabilitation projects that contributed to the valorization and preservation of the Graça's street urban unity, in Lisbon, as a part of a set of buildings with history. Like many buildings in Lisbon, this intervention required a general restructuring, with the recovery and restoration of architectural features while respecting pre-existing references, and a reformulation of the housing layout.

The building is designed with 7 small T0 apartments suitable for short-term stays. Commercial spaces on the ground floor preserve the spirit and sounds of the neighbourhood.

The building facade is a uniform sky blue with forest green accents on the building entrance door and window frames on each floor. The colour reminds of the traditional blue tiled walls one would come across in the historic residential neighbourhoods in Lisbon.

Inside, the staircase leading up to the apartments features warm wood-planked flooring and tiny square tiles with a polished and curved white bannister. A rectangular window is carved into the wall to draw in light to the stairwell. The building walls facing the inner atrium has earth-toned abstract shapes on the walls, which adds a touch of colour to the view framed by the corridor windows.

Intended for short-term, functional accommodation, the interiors of the apartments are designed to be utilitarian, though an ample amount of windows and doors opening onto terraces and balconies draw in an abundance of light to make the rooms feel more spacious.

Living rooms open onto a balcony, terrace or small enclosed garden depending on the floor and orientation of the apartment, giving residents an opportunity to take in the energy of the surrounding city while enjoying their morning coffee or evening glass of wine.

The kitchen is a simple L-shaped setup with a clean-white cabinet wall on one side and drawers providing ample storage for pots, pans and other tools. A small electric stove and sink integrated into the kitchen counter allow guests to cook simple meals. Given what we recall of our previous stay in Lisbon, a walk down the street will likely lead to a tasty meal at a local cafe or restaurant. so one may not even need to use the kitchen.

The bedroom setup is also simple, with a wooden desk and bedside lamps. A snug and cozy bed set by the balcony beckons for a good night’s sleep where you can awaken to the warmth of sunshine on your face. Bathrooms are equipped with modern floating vanities and a sleek frameless glass shower with a shower wand and rainfall shower overhead for a relaxing experience.

Graça 117 is proof that a short-term stay in a city doesn’t need to be in a grand hotel, a cozy, utilitarian apartment complete with breathtaking rooftop views is likely to offer a more intimate feeling of home than a standard hotel room. Through thoughtful details such as the abstract wall murals to the simple paintings in the apartments that echo the same pattern, the team manages to depict a sunny, welcoming vibe throughout the rehabilitated building.

PROJECT DETAILS

Project Name: Graça 117

Architecture Office: Pedro Carrilho - Arquitectos

Main Architect: Arq. Pedro Carrilho

Location: Lisbon

Completion: 2022

Total Area: 300m2

Constructor: CivilSul Construtora Sul, Lda

Engineering: Eng. Paulo Ribeiro e Eng. António Quaresma

Interiors Team: Salto Alto - Soluções de Design Global

Architectural Photographer: Ivo Tavares Studio