In Lisbon’s Campo de Ourique neighbourhood, architect José Guimarães has converted a former municipal office and shop into a bright 50 sqm private apartment, creating a living space that feels linked to the street outside.
From storefront to living room: redefining the entry
The ground‑floor unit originally opened directly onto the sidewalk, with no interior buffer. Guimarães installed a curved glass‑block wall that acts as a transparent screen, letting light filter while preserving privacy.
Behind it, a glazed desk and a full wall of curtains hide a DIY storage system, so even when the front doors stay open the interior remains secluded.
The street‑side entrance now works “in many ways like a balcony,” he says, providing a sunny spot where his brother often reads in the morning.
Opening the courtyard to the city
At the rear of the flat, the courtyard—dubbed “the lung of the flat”—has been transformed from a dark, pointy niche into an airy oasis.
Tall plants and built‑in seating fill the space, while a new single glass door replaces the original double‑leaf timber entry.
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A floor‑level window opens beside the door, allowing light and fresh air to spill inside when left ajar.
The result is a seamless flow between indoor living and the courtyard, making the outdoor area feel like an extension of everyday routines.
The kitchen, though modest, avoids a cluttered look by relying on open shelving, rails and freestanding units rather than full cabinetry.
A stainless‑steel shelf above the counter holds books and dry goods, while a suspended IKEA rail keeps utensils within reach.
A second‑hand cabinet, sourced from a nearby block, stores pantry items and matches the custom lower cabinets, tying the room together while keeping walls clear.
In the main bedroom, changes were minimal.
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New window frames and security bars replace heavy shutters, and a long white curtain hangs slightly recessed from the glass, offering privacy without sacrificing daylight.
The dining area sits between the kitchen, living room and courtyard, demanding a flexible solution.
Guimarães found a 1960s vintage table at an online auction that expands from a compact size to seat six, paired with chairs gifted by an architect friend.
The circular chrome base and laminated timber top allow the table to adapt to daily life while keeping circulation open.
They kept structural changes to a minimum—only the wall between kitchen and living room was removed—the design focuses on improving relationships between spaces.
Glass partitions, thoughtful furnishings and the leafy courtyard all contribute to a sense of generosity in a space that once felt cramped and lifeless.
