A minimalist refuge away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This was the concept defined by architecture studio Lola Cwikowski for the renovation of a duplex in the Portuguese capital. "Our studio's brief was to transform the duplex into a hideaway to detach from daily life and spend quality time with visiting relatives", says Lola.

Light pours through the windows of this house on the top floor of a typical Lisbon building, catching the subtle textures of the project's centrepiece - a customised 'solid surface' island. The seamless integration of functional elements with social spaces reflects a wider contemporary trend in residential design where the boundaries between functionality and conviviality are intentionally blurred.

The kitchen island, serving as the physical and metaphorical heart of the space and extending into the social area, reveals how craftsmanship can transform domestic rituals. Like the communal tables in Portuguese monasteries that anchored family gatherings for centuries, this modern interpretation serves as a gravitational centre for everyday life. The suspended lighting above the island doesn't merely illuminate - it helps sculpt the environment, creating more intimate zones on an open plane, while maintaining the visual continuity of the space.

Designed with resistant materials, the bathrooms embrace efficiency and elegance. The integrated cabinets dissolve into the architecture of the space. The continuous planes of the worktops create a material choreography that is both modern and timeless. This attention to detail extends to the bedrooms, where the arrangement of adaptable furniture recognises the evolving nature of family life.

The choice of materials reflects a sophisticated understanding of durability and comfort. Dark wood accents punctuate the white surfaces, creating a rhythm that guides the eye while adding an ethereal dimension to the light-filled rooms. The interplay between light and shadow, solid and void, recalls the concept of "saudade", transposed into architectural language.

This project reflects the duality between the individual and collective needs of the owners. With their carefully thought-out furniture arrangement, the flexible living areas create opportunities for moments alone or for socialising. The Lola Cwikowski studio team achieved a deeper understanding of contemporary domestic life, where homes must function simultaneously as a retreat and a space for socialisation.