CASA EM BELÉM
Located in Belém, Lisbon, the building faces north onto Travessa da Silva and to the south onto a private courtyard nestled within the interior of the urban block.
With a footprint of just 34m² and an additional 17m² of exterior courtyard, the project's compact dimensions called for a vertical architectural strategy that maximizes the use of space across multiple levels.
The proposal envisions the construction of a vertical house, where each floor is dedicated to a specific function, articulated through a continuous internal staircase. On the basement level (-1), with direct access to the courtyard, are the kitchen and dining area. The main entrance is located on the ground floor (0), accessed through an antechamber that leads into the living room. The upper levels (floors 1 and 2) are reserved for the private areas of the house, comprising two bedrooms and two bathrooms.
The staircase is positioned along the main façade, aligned with an existing opening that is to be transformed into a light well, reinforcing the vertical experience of the interior and enhancing natural illumination.
From a construction standpoint, the project retains the existing exterior walls, while the additional storey on the main façade is built using a lightweight metal structure with timber beam floor slabs.
The house has a clear and recognizable volume, with façades that express the presence of the existing and restored openings in contrast with the new ones introduced.
