Apartment Remodel Removes Walls In Favor Of A Bright And Open Layout

When renovating an old apartment, particularly one from the 1980’s or even before that in an area such as Lisbon, Portugal, there are a few typical architectural elements you need to be prepared for. Such apartments are usually very divided, with small rooms and a lot of walls which now seem unnecessary. They also often have a lot of beams that make the spaces seem small and claustrophobic. Architect Miguel Marcelino had to deal with all these elements when this apartment needed to be totally remodeled.

Initially the apartment had a much more divided layout typical for older structures
Initially the apartment had a much more divided layout typical for older structures
The new layout is more open and flexible and links different functions in new ways
The new layout is more open and flexible and links different functions in new ways

The clients wanted the apartment to be restructured in order to feel more like a modern home which we know is defined by spaciousness and openness. In order to achieve that, some of the walls had to be taken down in order to connect areas such as the kitchen, the dining room and the living areas which were previously functioning as separate rooms.

The new division of the social areas is made through furniture and wooden panels
The new division of the social areas is made through furniture and wooden panels
The living room, kitchen and dining area share the same space and they're also connected to an office
The living room, kitchen and dining area share the same space and they’re also connected to an office

The new division connects these areas into a single open space. the kitchen is neatly tucked on one wall, the dining area is placed in front of the window wall under the beam that marks the previous separation between the living room and the balcony and the rest of the space serves as a lounge area and workspace.

Initially the apartment had a much more divided layout typical for older structures
The dining table sits parallel to the window wall and gets the most sunlight
Initially the apartment had a much more divided layout typical for older structures
Traditionally, this space would have been enclosed to serve as a separate balcony
Initially the apartment had a much more divided layout typical for older structures
The kitchen has been simplified and modernized in order to be more space-efficient

The new office space is part of the open floor plan as well but it feels private and cozy thanks to its positioning in the corner but also the L-shaped desk which doubles as a space divider.

Initially the apartment had a much more divided layout typical for older structures
The work area is placed in a corner, featuring an L-shaped desk that doubles as a divider
Initially the apartment had a much more divided layout typical for older structures
There’s no wall or door to separate it from the social areas and that allows light to enter freely

It took some major restructuring to transform this apartment from an old and divided space to a bright and open home. The materials used as simple and mostly include wood and concrete. Because the supporting beams couldn’t be removed, they were left bare and exposed and they give the apartment a rather intriguing look full of character.

Initially the apartment had a much more divided layout typical for older structures
A lot of the furniture has been custom made to perfectly fit the spaces and to suit the client’s needs
Initially the apartment had a much more divided layout typical for older structures
The bedrooms remain private and they too have been modernized and simplified

The bedrooms and bathrooms are private spaces but they too were remodeled. The bedrooms needed an aesthetic makeover and that was done by simplifying the furniture and getting rid of unnecessary ornaments and features. The bathroom spaces, on the other hand, felt much too small and claustrophobic so they were enlarged visually in order to suit the new design direction.

Initially the apartment had a much more divided layout typical for older structures
The bathroom spaces have been restructured a bit as well in order to seem larger