Estrela Apartment, Lisbon: A Hidden Urban Retreat by Filipe Fonseca Costa

Nestled in the heart of Lisbon, near the iconic Estrela Basilica, the Estrela Apartment is a masterful renovation that transforms a late 19th-century caged building into a serene urban retreat. Conceived by architect Filipe Fonseca Costa, this project reimagines the hidden chalet at the back of the building as a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling city.

A Hidden Gem in a Tree-Lined Block

Located behind the main building, the chalet maintains the original construction system of the 19th-century structure while introducing a more intimate scale. Once overlooked as a potential back annexe, the cottage has emerged as a secret sanctuary, embraced by the neighboring garden canopies and offering a rare connection to nature in central Lisbon.

The apartment's charm lies in its fragmented yet harmonious layout, consisting of a main body with two floors oriented north-south and an extension to the northeast that occupies a portion of the original backyard. Despite its irregular form, the space maximizes its greatest asset: abundant natural light, lush greenery, and profound tranquility.

Thoughtful Spatial Sequencing

The renovation carefully respects the existing filters between the street and the chalet’s interior, creating a sequential spatial experience. The design funnels visitors through a subtle journey into a private, vertical haven, dividing the apartment into three distinct zones:

1. Social Area: Located in the main body to the south, this space benefits from the demolition of an old marquee, creating an intimate outdoor courtyard and a seamless connection between interior and exterior life.
2. Private Area – Northeast Extension: Fully independent, this zone ensures solitude while maintaining visual connections to the surrounding greenery.
3. Attic Retreat: A quiet, upper-level space designed for relaxation, reflecting the client’s wish for heightened privacy.

Each area is designed to preserve a sense of lightness, with carefully placed windows, wooden beams, and minimalist shelving that frame views of the garden and allow natural light to permeate the space.

Light, Green, and Silent, The Essence of the Design

The renovation’s subtle interventions respect the original architecture while elevating it to meet modern standards of comfort and privacy. Every element of the apartment emphasizes serenity, with interiors that feel luminous, airy, and intimately connected to the surrounding greenery. Despite its urban location, the Estrela Apartment offers the sensation of a hidden refuge, where silence and nature dominate the atmosphere.

All photographs are works of do mal o menos