“Striped tiles. Have you noticed them? They adorn Lisbon’s churches, palaces and houses since the 16th century.” They provide a visual guide to its history. Each decorative style is indicative of a particular decade. We are standing at the Respiradouro.
The Respiradouro’s tiled facade shines brighter than the rest. These tiles are from the 1930s. The same designs appear on the Elevador da Bica.
Local architect Inês Lobo heard the block was for sale. She took her clients to view it. They fell in love with its splendid views and with Lapa’s sleepy feel.
The renovation was set to begin. The owner stopped by Galeria Leme to see some art. There he was introduced to Paulo Mendes da Rocha. Mendes da Rocha agreed to collaborate.
They stuck to the classical Portuguese apartment block blueprint. The best apartments are always on the top and have higher ceilings. They used local materials. These include concrete, tiles and limestone with a pinkish hue.
The house is upside down. The living room and its sweeping east-facing terrace are on the top floor. The kitchen and pool terrace are on the floor below. The second floor houses the parents’ study and bedroom. The first floor belongs to the children. On the top floor is an origami-style corner window. It was created specifically to offer views over Mar da Palha.
Lobo compared the house to a Brazilian SESC. Each level offers a different programme. The owners sourced much of their furniture from Brazil.
Each space is created on a deliberately domestic scale. The family live together in a very informal way. It’s a functioning home. It’s not a site of architectural pilgrimage.
Preserving the building is key. Finding new uses for buildings in ancient cities is important. Architecture students should take a great interest in it today. The Respiradouro stands as a testament to the beauty of preservation and innovation.