Desterro 29

Pena, Lisbon

Property Overview

This 176 m² penthouse duplex in Lisbon’s Intendente district, designed in collaboration with Portuguese-Brazilian designer Marina Werfel (WER Studios), was transformed from a traditional, neglected apartment into a contemporary, bohemian home. The renovation reconfigured a maze of small rooms into a clear, flowing layout, opening the space front-to-back to maximise natural light and connectivity between living areas.

  • Details
  • 176 m²
  • Deep Renovation
  • 4 bedrooms
  • 2 bathrooms
  • Attic cinema room
  • Completion 2021
  • Scope
  • Architecture
  • Design
  • Build

The kitchen was relocated and redesigned as an open-plan space with custom-built wooden shelving, and all bathrooms were updated to modern standards. A double-height living room was created, and the attic was converted into a home cinema and additional bedroom, fully utilizing previously dormant space. Original features – including antique workbenches and structural elements – were carefully preserved and integrated with new materials, joinery, fluted wall coverings, and custom closets.

Structural challenges were significant: modifying the roof, creating the double-height living area, and installing a heavy steel staircase with independent support – all within a fourth-floor walk-up building. New systems for HVAC, electric shutters, and lighting were installed to meet modern performance and comfort standards.

Through reclaimed and vintage elements sourced across Europe, thoughtful spatial planning, and creative detailing, the penthouse embodies personality, charm, and functionality, making it an in-demand rental property in a highly desirable area.