TB5 House by Constante Design: A Thoughtful Renovation Reviving Forgotten Spaces in Lisbon

Located in the heart of Lisbon, Portugal, TB5 House by Constante Design is a sensitive renovation project that reimagines the relationship between architecture, landscape, and daily living. Covering 140 m², the 2024 transformation brings new life to a nearly century-old home, carefully respecting its structural constraints while maximizing its underused spaces—especially the once-forgotten garden and inaccessible lower floor.

Photographed by Lourenço Teixeira de Abreu, the project captures an elegant blend of natural materials, restored heritage elements, and contemporary spatial fluidity, creating a harmonious environment deeply rooted in the identity of the Arco do Cego neighborhood.

Reviving a Historical Typology Inspired by Arco do Cego

The redesign draws inspiration from Lisbon’s Arco do Cego neighborhood, an urban model introduced in 1935 that emphasized harmony between architecture and the natural environment. Constante Design aimed to replicate this balanced typology within the TB5 House, strengthening the connection between interior and exterior spaces while preserving the spirit of the original flat.

The architects avoided drastic structural changes due to the prevalence of load-bearing walls, opting instead for creative spatial rethinking that respected the building’s historic layout.

1. Transforming the Abandoned Garden into a Living Extension

One of the project’s main goals was to reclaim the inaccessible garden, turning it into a meaningful part of daily life. Previously disconnected from the home, the garden now serves as a natural extension of the living space.

• Two interior rooms adjacent to the garden were reconfigured into a bright and welcoming living room.
• Large openings create visual continuity and enhance the sense of flow between indoor comfort and outdoor serenity.
• The garden’s original Portuguese pavement was restored and reused, reinforcing the house’s history and local character.

2. Converting a Hidden Lower Floor into a Functional Living Area

Another major challenge was transforming the lower floor, previously reachable only through a trapdoor and used solely for storage. Constante Design reimagined this neglected space into a comfortable living zone by:

• Relocating the access to the main corridor.
• Introducing a new metal staircase to improve circulation and safety.
• Adding a bedroom and an office, significantly enhancing the home’s functionality for contemporary living.

The lower floor retains its original hydraulic tile flooring, a subtle homage to the home’s past.

Sustainable Restoration and Material Authenticity

Honoring the home’s heritage was a guiding principle throughout the renovation. The design prioritizes sustainability and restoration, reusing original materials wherever possible.

Key material strategies include:

• Restoration of all original wood elements, including floors, doors, and skirting boards.
• Use of natural, noble materials such as marble, timber, and traditional tiles.
• Preservation of existing finishes to maintain a direct connection to the building’s nearly 100-year history.

This careful material approach brings warmth, texture, and authenticity to the renewed interior spaces.

A Home Reconnected with Its History and Surroundings

TB5 House stands as a thoughtful example of adaptive reuse and sustainable renovation, where every design decision reinforces a deeper connection between the architecture and its environment. Constante Design successfully revitalizes forgotten areas, blending historical respect with contemporary comfort.

All photographs are works of Lourenço Teixeira de Abreu