Patrocínio House

Portuguese architects Luís Rebelo de Andrade, Tiago Rebelo de Andrade and Manuel Cachão Tojal have recently completed a single family house in Travessa do Patrocínio, Lisbon, Portugal. The house presents a striking contrast from its immediate surroundings, its strong presence amidst the urban fabric derived from its enveloping green wall. This vertical garden features 4,500 plants from 25 different Iberian and Mediterranean varieties, occupying 100 square metres, and requiring a minimum amount of maintenance.

A straight ladder connects all four floors, alluding the typical stairs in historical neighbourhoods of the city, linking the diverse spaces and dimensions of the residence. A courtyard becomes the centre and heart of the house, allowing light to penetrate the interior, while simultaneously enhancing the main entrance. The service area and garage have a direct access from the street, while the first floor holds the provate areas. The second floor harbours the living area, with a direct connection to the rooftop, extending the social area of the house to the outdoors.

"Different fragrances are spread throughout the four floors," remark the architects. "For example, in the swimming pool you will have the scent of saffron, in the bedroom, lavender, in the living-room, rosemary. Implemented in the heart of a busy city, the vertical garden creates an unique link with nature and an unexpected atmosphere." The architects are keen to point out how this project works effectively as a "mini lung" in the city of Lisbon, and can be an "example of sustainability".

Luís Rebelo de Andrade, Tiago Rebelo de Andrade and Manuel Cachão Tojal: House in Travessa do Patrocínio
Architects: Luís Rebelo de Andrade, Tiago Rebelo de Andrade and Manuel Cachão Tojal
Co-Workers: Madalena Rebelo de Andrade, Raquel Jorge, Carlos Ruas and Tiago Moniz
Location: Travessa do Patrocínio, Lisbon, Portugal
Project Year: 2008 — 2012
Project Area: 248 square metres
Client: BWA — Buildings With Art
Construction: Construoeiras, Obras Públicas e Construção Civil SA
Supervision: RTCNC,Lda — Eng. Rui Taborda
Electrical, Communications and Safety: EppE — Eng. José Cardoso
Water and Sewer: Carlos Nunes Baptista
AVAC: Prom & E, Lda — Eng. Luis Baião
Gardens: Adn-Garden Design
Quantity Surveying: Dibato