The architectural studio BUREAU has ingeniously transformed a 44-square-meter Lisbon apartment, known as the Lisbon Lilac Apartment, into a seamless blend of functionality and design. Originally one of two ‘family’ apartments created for ‘siblings’ Lilac and Blue, this compact space redefines how small living areas can adapt to diverse daily routines and lifestyles.
The innovative redesign turns once-static circulation areas into active, usable spaces. The former entrance hall now functions as a kitchen, while the centrally located bedroom has been converted into wet areas. A continuous corridor wraps around this core section, linking rooms through symmetrical openings and restoring light pathways previously obstructed by older designs. This approach maintains the original structural compartmentalization but adds a fluid, interconnected movement throughout the dwelling.

For another innovative transformation, check out how a 1970s Kifisia apartment was redesigned with sliding walls and adaptable spaces.

Blending Color, Reflection, and Translucency
Key to the home’s redesign is a single countertop that bridges the kitchen and bathroom, showcasing how two distinct domestic functions can coexist harmoniously. The use of translucent and mirrored materials enhances the sense of space, reflecting light and creating visual depth in this compact living concept.
This design approach parallels the flowing spatial dynamics in Jean-Luc Godard’s 1963 film “Le Mépris,” where color and structure guide movement and interaction. The thoughtful integration of colors and reflections not only defines spaces but also enriches the interactions within them, embodying a modern take on interior design.
Within this compact footprint, the apartment becomes a canvas for exploring the essentials of home life. The layout, crafted by BUREAU, intertwines movement, light, and personal rituals, offering a fresh perspective on domestic living.
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Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the Lisbon Lilac Apartment?
The Lisbon Lilac Apartment is a 44-square-meter apartment in Lisbon ingeniously transformed by the architectural studio BUREAU into a seamless blend of functionality and design.
How does the apartment design integrate kitchen and bathroom spaces?
A single countertop bridges the kitchen and bathroom, showcasing how these two distinct domestic functions can coexist harmoniously.
What design elements enhance the sense of space in the apartment?
The use of translucent and mirrored materials enhances the sense of space, reflecting light and creating visual depth in the compact living concept.
