The 645-square-foot MARVILA ATTIC did not begin like this. Prior to KEMA studio renovating the space, it was an attic in disrepair in an old industrial area of Lisbon, Portugal. Finally, the neighborhood is undergoing a revitalization and this project is a part of it. KEMA studio transformed the unlivable attic into a bright and airy apartment with views of the nearby Tagus River.

The renovation required a brand new roof and interior structure, leaving behind the only salvageable components, the floor structure and gable walls. A full bathroom and private entry were added to round out the space’s function.

To maximize the natural light and airiness of the new design, the private areas are contained in a separate volume, leaving the public space open.
A separate volume in the living area houses storage, an embedded sofa, and the kitchen behind fluted wood panels. That leaves the remaining space as open and minimal as possible.

Four new skylights and two dormer windows are added to fill the space with daylight.

There’s even hidden storage in the wall by the entry stairs, perfect for jackets and shoes.

A window above the bedroom volume and a mirror on the back wall keeps the stairs well-lit.

Overall, the minimalist design comprises natural tones and sustainable + eco-friendly materials, like fiber cement panels, colored wood fiber panels, plywood, metal, brick tiles, and wooden floor.

Before:

KEMA studio \ Photo: Agata Mendes
Photos by Alexand...