AB+AC Architects craft a serene retreat in one of Lisbon’s trendiest neighborhoods—a spacious, minimalist apartment designed for comfort, flexibility, and intentional living. By transforming a two-bedroom corner unit into a generously proportioned one-bedroom home, the project embodies effortless elegance and mindful design.

PROGRAM
With no specific end user in mind, we approached the project with a fresh perspective, analyzing market demands and city demographics to create an ideal profile: a dynamic, internationally minded young professional passionate about movement, nutrition, and self-care. The result is a living space that seamlessly integrates functionality with modern aesthetics, catering to a lifestyle of balance and purpose.

CIRCULATION
The layout flows intuitively from public to private, forming a curving L-shaped sequence that enhances spatial fluidity. At the heart of the home, the kitchen and living room function as inviting, interactive spaces. To maximize natural light and openness, the design eliminates the original dark corridor, replacing it with a series of arcades along the façade. This intervention not only enhances movement but also mirrors the seductive curve of the building’s exterior, allowing sunlight to flood the interiors while offering dual exposure and expansive views.

CONCEPT
In a world filled with distractions, this apartment fosters focus and intention. The design carves out distinct spaces—a dining room, a walk-in closet, and ample storage—encouraging mindful engagement with daily activities. By creating dedicated environments for different functions, the layout promotes a slower, more centered way of living, inviting clarity and calmness into everyday routines.

MATERIALS
Inspired by minimalism with a subtle nod to Japanese aesthetics, the design embraces Lisbon’s natural luminosity. A cohesive off-white palette amplifies the city’s radiant light, while rich textures introduce warmth and depth. Custom-built furniture in dark wenge-finished pine contrasts beautifully with stainless steel details.

The bedroom, anchored by a low, Japanese-inspired bed, is a tranquil retreat. Adjacent, the walk-in closet features a high-silk-content moquette floor, transforming the act of dressing into a sensory experience. In contrast to the home’s brightness, the bathroom offers a sanctuary-like ambiance, clad in terrazzo tiles with a dark granite-like base and scattered micro-pebbles. A custom stainless-steel shower mesh introduces an auditory element, enriching the space with a soothing, multi-sensory experience.

MISSION
Balancing practicality with serenity, this apartment invites its inhabitant to unwind and recharge. AB+AC Architects redefine home not merely as a functional space but as a sanctuary—an urban oasis that fosters restoration, reflection, and a renewed sense of well-being amidst the demands of modern life.