A duplex reimagined in Avenidas Novas
In the heart of Avenidas Novas, a district known for its leafy boulevards and eclectic early 20th-century façades, a 1935 apartment has been quietly transformed into a contemporary duplex that bridges past and present through a finely tuned architectural gesture: a staircase.
“The standout feature of this project was the connection between the two floors,” says the architect, Bruno Gonçalves Pereira, recalling the challenge of introducing a staircase where none existed before. Placed alongside the building’s original stairwell, this new sculptural core does more than link levels, it becomes an instrument of light. By echoing the rhythm of the building’s skylight, the design creates a subtle mirrored effect that draws sunlight deep into the lower floor, once deprived of natural light.
The upper level, a newly created volume reclaimed from what was once the attic, reads as a contemporary counterpoint to the historic character below. “There was a need to give this upper floor substance and materiality,” the architect continues. “We drew from elements already present on the lower floor, such as the solid pine wood, which we carried up through the staircase. The stone, however, deliberately changes. On the lower level we kept the original Lioz, to preserve the period character, but upstairs we introduced a marble from Estremoz, chosen for its more contemporary texture and greater durability. It creates a subtle contrast that reinforces the dialogue between both floors.”
The result is a tactile continuity, a conversation between old and new, heritage and reinterpretation.
A conversation on design, materiality, and intention with architect Bruno Gonçalves Pereira.
“The staircase became the bridge between the two floors, connecting the historic character of the lower level with the contemporary design of the upper. Through light, material, and careful attention to detail, it unites the home in a way that feels both personal and timeless.”
For the homeowner, Bruno R., this was never a cosmetic renovation but a deeply personal project rooted in respect for Lisbon’s architectural legacy. “What first drew me to this apartment was its authenticity,” he explains. “The building had remained untouched since its construction, solid, beautifully proportioned, with a quiet elegance typical of Avenidas Novas. I was also drawn to the intimacy of the building, with only a handful of apartments offering greater privacy and simpler management. Being on the top floor was essential to ensure quiet, and this one shared just a single adjoining wall. I wanted to preserve that integrity while creating something with a sense of authorship, designed with care, without haste, and with attention to every detail.”
The dialogue between the two floors was central to that vision. While the lower level honours the apartment’s 1930s origins, the upper level introduces a bolder, more contemporary language. “I always wanted the upper floor to feel distinctly different,” says Bruno R. “But the connection between them needed to be intelligent and intentional. The staircase became that bridge, entirely clad in pine wood to echo the materials below, while the lighting unites both levels with porcelain wall fixtures by Zangra, installed in a traditional style.”
Natural light plays a defining role throughout. The newly opened skylight floods the staircase and upper floor with daylight, while generous south-facing windows amplify the sense of calm and spaciousness. “The goal was to create a serene, natural atmosphere,” says the homeowner. “White walls and ceilings reflect the light, and every surface above ground level was painted in the same white to enhance this luminosity. At the same time, we made sure comfort wasn’t compromised, with proper glazing, solar screens, and discreet air conditioning where needed.”
Material honesty is at the heart of the home’s identity. The pine wood, Lioz and Estremoz marble were chosen not just for their timelessness but for their tactile warmth. “They are living materials,” Bruno R. reflects. “They age beautifully and give the home a unique texture and soul.”
After years of planning, licensing, and meticulous construction, the completed duplex feels like a culmination of vision and perseverance. “It represents so much,” he says. “Countless hours of design, years of navigating approvals, and an unwavering commitment to doing things properly. It’s a home that feels luxurious without being ostentatious, peaceful, functional, and deeply personal. A little sanctuary in one of Lisbon’s most remarkable neighbourhoods.” Discover Maison Pine, available exclusively with The Modern Spaces.
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