fala atelier redefines apartment as a living gallery in lisbon

revamped by architectural practice fala atelier, the gracas apartment is located within an unremarkable building in lisbon. its obsolete fragmented typology has presented a series of small rooms, some devoid of natural light, and an impractical exterior bathroom.

fala atelier‘s intervention aims at erasing these existing faults and clarifying the use of available surfaces. as a result, a gently curved wall is extended from façade to façade, defining the limit between a vast common space and different private rooms. one characteristic feature of the apartment is the extended hallway that serves as a dining and kitchen hub — appearing like a living gallery. its curved wall is punctuated by hand-painted doors in several shades of blue, seemingly floating above ground like a set of monochrome paintings.

for this project, the use of different materials and floor orientations underline the functional distinction present throughout the apartment. indeed, a small roof area has been reclaimed at the back façade, where a courtyard-like space provides an exterior addition to the living room — natural yet unexpected for a second floor apartment.