Palácio Teles e Menezes
Description
Palácio Teles Menezes, located on Rua da Escola Politécnica in the historic heart of Lisbon, is a remarkable example of Portuguese architecture. The intervention by Contacto Atlântico in this property – classified as a Site of Public Interest – aims at a comprehensive rehabilitation of the building, restoring its original character while adapting it to contemporary standards of comfort and functionality.
The project is grounded in the preservation and enhancement of the building’s existing architectural and decorative elements – such as the grand staircase, ornamental plasterwork, woodwork, and traditional tile panels – while discreetly integrating modern infrastructure to support contemporary living. The proposal respects the palace’s original morphology and spatial hierarchy, ensuring a coherent dialogue between heritage and modernity.
The intervention in the exterior areas includes the rehabilitation of the extensive gardens and courtyards, restoring the dignity of the ensemble and reestablishing the visual and functional connection between the palace and its surrounding landscape. The approach combines principles of heritage conservation, sustainability, and technical innovation.