Industrial-Style Housing Block Completed in Lisbon
António Costa Lima Arquitectos preserves historic warehouse facade in contemporary residential design.
1Transformation of Industrial Heritage
António Costa Lima Arquitectos has completed the Praia do Bom Sucesso housing project while preserving Lisbon's early 20th century industrial identity. Located behind a retained warehouse facade on Tagus River's northern bank, the design features a modern open aspect with full-height glazing and balconies on the southern elevation. This approach creates a morphological transition between the building's two distinct faces, blending historical preservation with contemporary living.
2Material Selection Philosophy
The project emphasizes industrial aesthetics through exposed brickwork and weathered steel structure. The north facade presents an opaque, hard plane while the south reveals the metallic skeleton through transparent composition. Interior spaces maintain the industrial character with exposed structural elements, contrasted by timber floors and white walls. This material palette creates a dialogue between raw industrial materials and refined finishes.
3Courtyard-Based Layout
Due to the site's depth, the project comprises two long gabled volumes flanking three central courtyards. These courtyards are wrapped in perforated brickwork and glazing, channeling natural light into each residence. At ground level, the courtyards form private patios and entrance areas opposite a garage row. This spatial organization provides complementary natural lighting throughout the interior spaces.
4Spatial Configuration and Lighting
Weathered steel staircases access upper floors where corridors lined with perforated brick walls connect living areas. Northern spaces remain intimate and dark with small openings, while southern areas feature expansive glazing and louvered terraces. White walls stopping short of ceilings allow additional light from clerestory windows, creating layered lighting effects throughout the day.
5Interior Distribution Strategy
The housing block positions two en-suite bedrooms on the more enclosed northern facades. Living, dining and kitchen areas are distributed around a central glazed light well, ensuring functional flow. Two interconnected volumes at the project's core generate three courtyards, each serving one residence. This fragmented approach enables versatile use of interior spaces while maintaining visual connections.
6Architects' Previous Works
António Costa Lima Arquitectos previously demonstrated similar approach by converting a Lisbon waterfront warehouse into a residence. That project inserted perforated brick walls within an existing stone shell, preserving industrial heritage. The studio has developed expertise in reconciling historical fabric with contemporary living requirements, establishing a distinctive design methodology.
7Site's Industrial Legacy
The project area was central to Lisbon's early 20th century industrial activities. Preserving the north facade facing Rua da Praia do Bom Sucesso maintains this chronological testimony. The architects developed a design language that merges the neighborhood's character with modern comforts, aiming to keep urban memory alive through architectural interventions.
8Contribution to Sustainable Architecture
The project sets an important example for sustainable architecture through adaptive reuse of existing structures. Preserving the historic facade minimizes new material use while strengthening neighborhood identity. Natural lighting strategies and passive climate control enhance energy efficiency. This approach offers an inspirational model for urban regeneration projects, demonstrating how industrial heritage can be repurposed for contemporary needs.