In the bustling heart of Lisbon, AB+AC Architects has masterfully reimagined a 158-square-meter dwelling, transforming it into a serene 'urban retreat' for a family desiring the tranquility of rural living amidst city life. This renovation project, meticulously executed by the Lebanese-Italian studio, integrates natural elements and thoughtful design to cultivate an environment that prioritizes peace, natural light, and a connection to the outdoors, challenging conventional urban living. The home features extensive green spaces and utilizes materials that evoke warmth and a sense of calm, ensuring every corner offers a comforting escape.
The central concept of this architectural endeavor revolved around fulfilling the clients' unique request to experience a countryside ambiance within a metropolitan setting. This aspiration guided AB+AC Architects to conceive the residence as a haven where nature, luminosity, and serenity are ever-present. Co-founder Arianna Bavuso highlighted the importance of daily exposure to nature for mental well-being, influencing the layout where every room, including the bathrooms, boasts a direct visual link to a verdant space. These connections are achieved through various elements such as patios, carefully planted niches, aromatic gardens, or the expansive main terrace, ensuring a continuous dialogue with the natural world.
Material selection played a pivotal role in achieving the desired aesthetic and functional goals. The interior showcases a thoughtful dichotomy: bedrooms, the office, and recreational areas are adorned with polished wooden floors, imparting a sense of traditional warmth and comfort. In contrast, the kitchen, dining, and living zones feature exquisite handmade terracotta tiles. These tiles, extending onto the 70-square-meter terrace, seamlessly blend the indoor and outdoor environments. The studio drew inspiration from one client's Filipino heritage, opting for materials deeply connected to craftsmanship and climate. The choice of Alentejo's handmade terracotta tiles, sun-dried and naturally regulated, was celebrated for their inherent warmth, tactile quality, and impressive ability to manage temperature and humidity, contributing significantly to the home's ecological footprint and comfort.
Within the open-plan living area, contemporary design sensibilities meet traditional materials through the strategic placement of low-slung, sculptural furniture. These pieces, including a daybed by local designer Joana Vilaça and abstract elements like a mirror cube, were chosen to add modern flair without overwhelming the space. Bavuso noted that these additions act as playful amplifiers of space, enhancing the visual flow and lightness of the room. For the bedroom, a custom-designed modular bed frame, part of AB+AC Architects' FlexiLiving Collection, exemplifies innovative, low-effort living. Constructed from stacked wooden boxes using a screw-less magnet system, it underscores the project's commitment to both aesthetics and practical, adaptable design.
The residence's overall aesthetic is defined by a deliberately neutral color palette, dominated by pale cream and off-white tones, fostering an atmosphere of tranquility and openness. This choice serves to amplify natural light and provide a visually calming backdrop. Bavuso explained that while the terracotta tiles and existing solid wood floors ground the project in texture and warmth, the milky, silky stucco finish on the walls acts as a 'visual calibrator.' This finish not only enhances light but is also known to reduce visual noise and cognitive fatigue, contributing to a truly restorative living environment. This holistic approach ensures that every detail, from the grand architectural gestures to the subtle material choices, contributes to the home's identity as a peaceful urban haven.