Rua da Emenda

This project involves the rehabilitation of a Pombaline building located on Rua da Emenda, in Bairro Alto, Lisbon, adapting it to new residential uses. The intervention reflects a careful approach to contemporary architecture in Portugal, where heritage preservation and modern living requirements are balanced with precision. Designed by Contacto Atlântico, a top architecture firm in Portugal, the project aligns with the principles of high-end architecture, ensuring both continuity and performance.

The original façade is preserved, maintaining the building’s historical identity within the urban fabric of Lisbon. Internally, the spaces are reorganised to improve functionality, natural light, and overall comfort, creating a residential environment suited to contemporary living.

Architectural Design, Materiality and Comfort

The building is distributed across five storeys, accommodating several housing units. The new layout establishes a clear distinction between day and night areas, supported by short and legible circulation paths. This organisation enhances usability and ensures a more efficient spatial experience.

Windows are optimised to maximise natural light and promote cross ventilation, improving environmental quality throughout the building. Finishes and colour choices are carefully selected to enhance the perception of space, contributing to a brighter and more open interior.

Materiality is approached with respect for the original construction. Floors and walls are treated using solutions compatible with Pombaline techniques, ensuring continuity between existing and new elements. At the same time, thermal and acoustic comfort are significantly improved through updated construction systems.

Technical infrastructure is fully renewed and integrated into less exposed areas, maintaining the clarity of the interiors and simplifying maintenance. This approach reinforces the project’s balance between performance and architectural expression.

Leading Architecture Firm in Portugal: Heritage and Urban Living

The relationship between architecture and heritage is central to the Rua da Emenda project, guiding a discreet intervention that enhances the building without compromising its identity. The result is a residential space that respects its historical context while meeting contemporary expectations.

Rua da Emenda stands as a clear example of how architectural rehabilitation can revitalise historic buildings in central Lisbon. As part of Contacto Atlântico’s portfolio, it reinforces the studio’s position as a leading architecture firm in Portugal, recognised for delivering refined and context-sensitive residential projects.

Learn more about other projects such as Rua de Inglaterra.