NANA Apartment in Lisbon by rar.studio

Architects: rar.studio.
Location: Lisbon, Portugal.
Year completed: 2015.
Area: 200.0 sqm.
Photography: Fernando Guerra.

Today’s post is proof that the Portuguese always have, and always will have, a very special way with materials. NANA Apartment by rar.studio is a minimalist residence on Lisbon‘s waterfront. Located within a lofty 19^th century building, the apartment features a seriously stunning palette of pink marble, patterned ceramic tiles, crisp white walls and reclaimed timber floors.

Commissioned to restore, conserve and enhance the original characteristics of the building, rar.studio painted the entire space white to freshen and highlight the period mouldings and proportions. They also restored the original wooden floorboards, now an interesting feature due to their width and aged texture.

Now, let’s take a moment to acknowledge that bathroom. Monochrome and peach-coloured Portuguese marble were used in full slabs to create complete shower cubicles, sinks and splash-backs – a visually strong and modern solution that sings against the crisp minimal backdrop. In the kitchen, blue-patterned ceramic wall tiles dating back to the 19th century were left intact, contrasting with modern chrome taps and white dining chairs.

Aside from the A+ use of materials, the space planning of the home is quite unique. rar.studio designed permanently open spaces called ‘inner rooms’, which act as shared storage and wardrobes for the residents of the home. These spaces are visible and accessible from most areas of the apartment, creating an interesting visual and spatial relationship between private and shared space.