This renovation embraces color, craftsmanship, and flexibility to reflect the personality of a multicultural client within a compact Lisbon apartment.
The Sousa Viterbo Apartment is a 70-square-meter residential renovation located in Penha de França, a traditionally residential neighborhood in northeast Lisbon, known for its strong local character, everyday commerce, and panoramic views over the Tagus River.
The project was commissioned by a young, multi-national client with Portuguese, English, Italian, and Peruvian roots, and a strong interest in DIY culture and expressive interiors. The brief focused on transforming a highly compartmentalized apartment into a more open, comfortable, and personal home, while significantly improving thermal comfort and everyday usability.
An initial proposal to expand the apartment into the roof space was limited by condominium regulations. In response, the renovation was conceived as a phased intervention, concentrating on the existing floor area while preparing the spatial and structural conditions for a future staircase and potential second level.
The design strategy prioritized openness, natural light, and visual connection to the river. Living spaces were reorganized to improve flow and functionality, resulting in a generous kitchen, two bedrooms, and a fully renovated bathroom within a more continuous and luminous layout.
Natural and durable materials were selected throughout the project, reflecting filma’s human-centered and environmentally conscious approach to residential architecture. Solid pine wood flooring introduces warmth and continuity, while ceramic hydraulic mosaic defines the former balcony area. The bathroom is finished in pink microcement, adding a distinctive chromatic identity that reflects the client’s personality. In the kitchen, Estremoz marble was used for the countertop, backsplash, and shelving, complemented by custom wooden round handles that reinforce a tactile, handcrafted quality.
Energy efficiency and indoor comfort were central to the intervention. The apartment received new insulated windows, rock wool wall insulation, and a mechanical ventilation system, significantly improving thermal performance and air quality. Pre-installations for air conditioning were also integrated to allow future upgrades with minimal impact.
The Sousa Viterbo renovation demonstrates how thoughtful residential architecture, rooted in collaboration, natural materials, and flexible design strategies, can transform a compact apartment into a comfortable, expressive, and future-ready home in Lisbon.
sousa viterbo
“Architecture belongs to culture, not to civilization.”
— Alvar Aalto
