Prazeres Building in Lisbon, Portugal by Aurora Arquitectos

Portuguese studio Aurora Arquitectos frequently came across a dilemma when designing and intervening in apartment buildings: in order to have a garden, one must renounce the view, and in turn, to have a view it means being relegated to an upper floor usually separate from the garden. A solution to this dilemma was sought when their client refused to sacrifice anything…well, ain’t that always the way? The result is the Prazares Building which cleverly explores the idea of one building containing another two. This reconstructed apartment building is split into three generous dwellings including a basement area with a spa, gym and swimming pool.

The client acquired the previously decaying building with the intention of building his own house and two separate apartments for rent. The challenge was to combine the overall design of the apartments with the client’s desire to have a garden and a view.

The key was to locate the social area of the client’s house at ground level where the garden is located, and the private areas on the top floor so it can enjoy the view. The other apartments are located on the middle floors. An elevator forms the private connection between the two private floors, while the stairs are shared with the occupants of the other apartments. Wrapped entirely in timber, the stairs are an outstanding feature of the design forming portals to each apartment.

While the spatial planning of the building is unique and unconventional, the interiors are also striking and unusual. The furnishings and flares are purposely kept simple but there is a relentless use of materials that’s both overwhelming yet quite on point. Each apartment has floors and joinery clad in the same honeyed timber while marble envelops the bathrooms. And when I say envelop, I mean totally and utterly decked out in marble! It’s insanity, but I’m insanely into it.

Despite these grand material gestures, there are delicate and finer details threaded throughout. Joinery cupboard door handles have been routed out and inset with timber and there’s a really special moment atop the staircase where a charming ladder leads to the attic spaces via a round porthole. Sometimes it’s all about the little things, you know?

Aurora Arquitectos have turned a once decrepit building into a home that enjoys a garden and a view while also containing another two. Each dwelling is generously sized, full of light and experiences both views and garden. No more side by side subdivisions or simple stacked apartments, Prazeres Building enjoys the best of both worlds!