The Vault Apartment by Studio Gameiro, located on the storied Rua de São Bento in Lisbon, is an exemplar of design that harmonizes history with modernity.

This 157m² residence is not just a living space but a narrative woven with architectural nuances and bespoke furnishings.

A Dialogue with History

Walking through Rua de São Bento, one can feel the whispers of history. This vibrant street, a living chronicle of Lisbon’s past, sets the stage for the Vault Apartment. The design takes inspiration from the Arch of São Bento, echoing its form throughout the apartment's interior. This historical reference is not merely decorative but structural, influencing the apartment's layout and aesthetic.

Bespoke Furnishings and Artistic Elements

Studio Gameiro’s commitment to craftsmanship is evident in every corner of the Vault Apartment. The living room features a slab fireplace and a bespoke coffee table, both designed by Studio Gameiro and complemented by armchairs from the 1960s by José Cruz de Carvalho for Altamira. The artwork by André Costa adds a layer of cultural depth, creating a space that feels both curated and lived-in.

The dining room is anchored by a bespoke table with a Travertine Creme top, resting on a robust Iroko wood structure. This piece, accompanied by six restored chairs designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, serves as a bridge between past and present, merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.

Materiality and Light

Materiality plays a pivotal role in defining the Vault Apartment’s aesthetic. The use of Moleanos limestone and brass throughout the space creates a dialogue between textures and tones. The kitchen, with its Moleanos countertops and bespoke brass handles, offers a tactile experience that is both luxurious and grounded. The brass pendant element adds a touch of industrial charm, contrasting beautifully with the soft, curved lines of the ceiling.

Light is masterfully manipulated to enhance the apartment’s spatial dynamics. The breakfast corner, with Daumiller armchairs by Gubi, is bathed in ethereal light, creating an inviting nook that feels both intimate and expansive. The master suite, with its cinematic scale, is a testament to the Studio’s ability to balance grandeur with comfort. Vault ceramic and brass wall lights by Studio Gameiro cast a warm, inviting glow, highlighting the room’s elegant features.

Seamless Transitions

The apartment’s layout is designed to promote fluidity and connection. Arched corridors guide residents from one space to another, reminiscent of the Roman aqueducts that once supplied water to Lisbon. This architectural homage not only honours the past but also provides a practical solution for modern living, creating smooth transitions between the apartment's social and private areas.

A New Perspective

Studio Gameiro’s approach to the Vault Apartment challenges conventional design principles. By embracing the arch as both a structural and aesthetic element, they have created a space that feels timeless yet contemporary. The apartment is a testament to their belief in pushing artistic and structural boundaries, turning challenges into opportunities for innovation.

PROJECT DETAILS

Design: Studio Gameiro | Instagram

Location: Lisboa, Portugal

Typology: Refurbishment

Intervention: Fit-out

Completion: 2023

Design: João Gameiro, Alexandre Cisneiros, Barbara Dzavanova, Patrícia Brito Pereira

Photography: Francisco Nogueira

Collaborations: Blue Arq move (contractor); Ladridecor, Alfredo Antunes Flor, Formas de Pedra (stonework); Candelar (metalwork); Teresa Gameiro, Vidal Fabrics (textiles), Alberto&Alberto, Patrique Santos, MNIR, OnlyWood (carpentry); Marta Raimundo (ceramics)