In a city as rich in history and culture as Lisbon, every building tells a story. The recent renovation at Rua Ivens serves as a stunning example of how tradition and modernity can coexist harmoniously. This unique kitchen design, imagined by Samuel Torres de Carvalho and brought to life by bulthaup Lisboa, represents a sophisticated balance between the enduring charm of a historic building and the cutting-edge innovation of modern kitchen design. Central to this transformation was the role played by Desenhabitado, whose vision ensured that the kitchen would not merely be a functional space but an integral part of the home’s architectural narrative.
The renovation is a testament to the architectural philosophy that views design as a dialogue between the old and the new. The kitchen, which is the heart of this home, exemplifies this philosophy by integrating the building’s historical elements with the clean, contemporary lines of the bulthaup system B3. The use of traditional Portuguese tiles juxtaposed with minimalist kitchen furniture creates a visual narrative that honors the building’s past while embracing the future. This symbiosis of styles speaks to the evolving nature of design, where respect for history enhances the innovation of the present.
The kitchen’s design is deeply rooted in bulthaup’s philosophy of creating spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful. The materials selected for this project reflect a commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and aesthetic refinement:
Matte Lacquered Lower and Column Cabinets: These cabinets, with their matte finish, embody bulthaup’s minimalist design ethos. The smooth, unadorned surfaces allow for a clean, streamlined appearance that enhances the kitchen’s overall aesthetic. The matte finish also ensures that the cabinets blend seamlessly with the other elements in the room, creating a cohesive design language.
1cm Thick Stainless Steel Countertops: Precision and functionality are at the core of bulthaup’s design principles, and these stainless steel countertops are a perfect embodiment of this. The 1cm thickness offers both durability and a refined aesthetic, while the material’s reflective quality amplifies the natural light in the room, adding to the kitchen’s airy and open feel.
Stainless Steel Single-Lever Mixer Tap: The choice of a stainless steel mixer tap highlights bulthaup’s focus on user-centered design. This element combines sleek aesthetics with practicality, providing precise control and ease of use, which are essential in a high-performance kitchen.
At the heart of this design lies the philosophy of harmonizing the aesthetic of the building with the contemporary design of the bulthaup kitchen. The original Portuguese tiles, with their intricate patterns and timeless appeal, create a striking contrast to the sleek, modern lines of the kitchen. This artistic blend of old and new is not just a design choice but a reflection of bulthaup’s belief that every kitchen should tell a story—one that resonates with the history of the space while paving the way for new memories to be made. The use of traditional and contemporary materials side by side creates a dialogue between different eras, making the kitchen a space where history and modernity coalesce. This approach ensures that the kitchen is not an isolated, functional area but a continuation of the home’s architectural language, seamlessly integrating with its surroundings while standing out as a masterpiece of modern design.
The bulthaup system B3 is more than just a kitchen; it is a space where design meets functionality, and where every detail is meticulously crafted to enhance the user’s experience. Whether it’s the warmth of natural walnut, the sleekness of aluminum, or the precision of stainless steel, each element is chosen to create a kitchen that is not only practical but also a work of art. Bulthaup kitchens are designed for those who appreciate the finer things in life—where luxury is defined not just by opulence, but by quality, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the materials and the space in which they are used.
In this Lisbon project, the collaboration between Samuel Torres de Carvalho, bulthaup Lisboa, and Desenhabitado has resulted in a kitchen that transcends the ordinary. It is a space where the old meets the new, where history is honored and the future embraced. This kitchen is not just a place to cook—it is a space to live, to create, and to experience the art of modern living in a historic setting. Photography by: Pedro Ferreira
