Maison De Ville Moderne à Marvila, Lisbonne

Industrial architecture reimagined through a lens of refined minimalism. Formerly a warehouse, now five considered townhouses. Designed by Miguel Abecasis and Daniela Franceschini of Quiet Studios, Alba is a study in volume, materiality and mood — a bold response to Marvila’s creative energy. Each three-storey home unfolds across almost 200 square metres, linked by a private lift and calibrated for modern life. At the heart, a dramatic double-height living space, where an open-plan layout and steel-framed windows blur the boundaries between inside and out. Light is ever-present, softened by the gentle textures of cement-finished walls and the warm tactility of Microlime Plus flooring. A sculptural staircase draws the eye upwards to a mezzanine that hovers above the living space—ideal as a reading snug, studio or home office. On the same floor, a generous suite offers privacy and calm. On the top level, two further en-suite bedrooms are designed for comfort and calm, with the principal suite opening onto a secluded roof terrace — perfect for slow mornings or evenings above the city. Throughout, the palette is purposeful and pared back. Custom resin-coated doors. Brushed stainless steel taps. Vitrified washbasins and seamless glass mirrors. Every element chosen with an eye for longevity and ease. Set in the heart of Marvila — a former industrial hub turned cultural district drawing comparisons to Shoreditch in London or Brooklyn’s Red Hook — Alba feels both connected and quietly removed. Galleries, concept cafés, breweries and studios are all close by, yet these homes offer a sense of calm and space that’s increasingly rare. A place for design-led living, in a part of the city that continues to evolve.