The Suspended Garden: An Architect-Designed Mid-Century Lisbon Apartment
In the heart of Lisbon’s coveted Restelo neighborhood, a masterpiece of modern living awaits its new owner. Fantastic Frank Lisbon, renowned for curating design-led and distinctive properties across Portugal, proudly presents a newly listed gem that will captivate even the most discerning buyers.
Nestled within a 1970s building, this meticulously restored and architect-designed apartment is a testament to impeccable craftsmanship, elegance, and mid-century aesthetics. Aptly named the “Suspended Garden,” this residence, envisioned by the esteemed Apparatus Architects, transcends the ordinary, offering a harmonious blend of modernist charm and refined sophistication.
architecture by Apparatus Architects, photography by Luis Nobre Guedes, and listed with Fantastic Frank Lisbon
Upon entering, one is immediately struck by the seamless integration of flawless craftsmanship and refined elegance.
The walls and ceilings feature natural ash and olive wood from Portugal, complemented by corcovado lacquer wood from Brazil, adding a touch of warmth and sophistication to every corner of the residence.
The kitchen, a culinary haven bathed in natural light, features an illuminated marble countertop that not only serves as a functional workspace but also offers breathtaking views of the Palácio da Pena and neighboring residential towers through expansive full-width windows.
The balconies naturally extend from multiple social rooms on the east side, providing glimpses of the Tejo River and the vibrant life of Belém. The unique positioning of this building, coupled with its large windows, was pivotal in the conception of the flat’s layout, as Gama and Lourenço of Apparatus Architects explained:
“We wanted these views to expand and extend while moving around the spaces. We don’t have doors; we don’t have corridors, and there is a very open and fluid floor plan of integrated social areas. So anywhere you sit, if you look around, it’s always ‘sky, green, sky, green, perspective.”
Colored glass mosaic tiles adorning the floors and accent walls, along with Venetian Stucco, bring texture to the living spaces, creating an ambiance reflecting the streaming sunlight. Gama and Lourenço elaborate on this design choice: “The facade has mosaic tiles, so we thought incorporating that into the apartment could be quite nice. There are some beautiful references from the 50s and 60s that use similar glass mosaics.”
The east bedroom features a freestanding bathtub and a thoughtfully partitioned bathroom adorned with Portuguese Calacata marble.
