JNcQUOI House
Description
The JNcQUOI House project involves the conservation, alteration, and expansion of a mid-19th-century palatial building located on Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon’s most prestigious avenue. This intervention reflects a refined approach to contemporary architecture in Portugal, where heritage preservation and new luxury hospitality functions are carefully integrated. Designed by Contacto Atlântico, a top architecture firm in Portugal, the project embodies the principles of high-end architecture, balancing historical identity with contemporary use.
The proposal introduces a new volume in the backyard, designed with a contemporary architectural language and materials. This addition complements the existing structure, allowing the building to accommodate its future function as a luxury hotel, with interior design by Vincent Van Duysen.
Architectural Design, Materiality and Heritage Integration
The project maintains the exterior reading of the existing building, preserving its architectural character and presence along Avenida da Liberdade. The intervention is guided by a strategy of continuity, ensuring that key elements remain intact and legible.
The central stair core, defined by a marble staircase with an iron railing, is preserved as a defining feature of the interior. Decorative elements throughout the building are also retained, reinforcing the identity and historical value of the space.
On the main façade, the existing openings are extended vertically to create doorways that provide access to two retail units on the ground floor. This intervention enhances functionality while maintaining coherence with the original composition.
Materiality plays a central role in bridging old and new, ensuring compatibility between the preserved structure and the contemporary addition. The design maintains a controlled and coherent architectural language throughout.
Leading Architecture Firm in Portugal: Heritage and Luxury Hospitality
The relationship between architecture and heritage is central to the JNcQUOI House project, ensuring that the building’s historical value is preserved while adapting it to a new program of luxury hospitality.
The integration of a contemporary extension with a protected structure demonstrates a precise and balanced architectural approach. As part of Contacto Atlântico’s portfolio, this project reinforces the studio’s position as a leading architecture firm in Portugal, recognised for delivering sophisticated and context-sensitive interventions.