The renovation of Barroca Apartment was guided by a substantial spatial reorganisation while preserving the original character of the house. Existing partitions were removed, new openings created and others closed to establish two clear enfilades: one connecting the rooms facing Rua Barroca and the other extending towards Travessa da Queimada. These new axes bring continuity, depth and a renewed sense of generosity to the interior.

The sequence begins with a symmetrical entrance hall and continues into the library, where built-in shelves form part of the architecture. Subtle shifts in the position of the walls create a forced perspective, making the room appear longer and reinforcing the monumentality of the original proportions. The main enfilade then crosses the dining room and culminates in the lounge, where a large custom-made mirror further extends the view.

Throughout the apartment, the original timber floors, decorative stucco ceilings and architectural details were carefully preserved. New elements were conceived as a contemporary layer: bespoke marble furniture, integrated storage, velvet curtains and freestanding lighting complement the historic interior without competing with it.

The kitchen connects directly to both the exterior patio and a purpose-designed wine cellar. Its green marble surfaces contrast with the cellar’s brick and timber construction, inspired by traditional techniques found in Baroque stables. In the quieter part of the apartment, the guest bedroom opens onto a small patio with a living wall. Here, the removal of several dark, confined spaces restored the room’s original dimensions, while an open bathroom and a carefully positioned mirror bring natural light deep into the interior.