Rua da Rosa Lisbon

Rua da Rosa Lisbon, designed by Contacto Atlântico, is an urban renovation project located in the Príncipe Real district of Lisbon. The intervention focuses on the rehabilitation of a five-story building, combining commercial functions at ground level with residential units above. The project aims to reactivate an existing structure while preserving its architectural identity and adapting it to contemporary living standards. A key aspect of the design is the careful preservation of the building’s original elements. The main staircase and traditional ceilings are restored with precision, maintaining the historical character that defines the structure. Rather than replacing these features, the project integrates them into a renewed spatial system, where heritage and modernity coexist. This approach allows the building to retain its authenticity while improving its functionality and performance. The intervention also emphasizes environmental performance through passive strategies. Cross ventilation is enhanced across the building, improving indoor air quality and thermal comfort. Natural light is maximized, allowing interior spaces to feel open and connected to the exterior environment. The south-west-facing façade is redesigned with efficient frames and durable materials, ensuring both longevity and improved energy performance while maintaining the visual coherence of the building within its urban context. Material selection and construction strategies are aligned with sustainability goals, as the project is being prepared for BREEAM certification. This reflects a broader commitment to responsible design, where environmental considerations are integrated into every stage of the intervention. At the urban scale, the project strengthens the relationship between the building and the surrounding neighborhood. The ground floor activates the street through commercial use, while the upper residential levels provide a contemporary living environment within a historic framework. Through this layered approach, Rua da Rosa Lisbon becomes a model for adaptive reuse, demonstrating how existing structures can be transformed to meet current needs without losing their cultural and architectural value.