Refugium is a beachfront apartment on Costa da Caparica, just 15 minutes from Lisbon, Portugal. Originally built in the early 1990s, it was transformed into a welcoming retreat from the pace of city life. Inspired by the simplicity of the 18th-century fishermen’s houses that once lined the coast, the renovation embraces essentiality, creating a serene and comfortable space deeply connected to its surrounding marine landscape.

Beyond aesthetics, the project was driven by a commitment to minimizing its environmental impact. Following a zero-waste approach, the original layout was preserved and demolition was kept to an absolute minimum, avoiding unnecessary rubble while reusing as many existing elements as possible, including walls, ceilings, and doors. The original kitchen and bathroom, which no longer aligned with the new concept, were carefully removed, donated, and reused by families in need, extending their life cycle and reinforcing the project's social commitment.

Rather than replacing the existing flooring, it was covered with Microlime, a lime-based finish with non-toxic natural additives. Its sandy pigmentation establishes a subtle dialogue with the beach, reinforcing the apartment’s connection to its coastal setting. The interiors combine white walls with handcrafted Portuguese pine furniture and built-in wardrobes, whose natural warmth creates a harmonious contrast while contributing to healthier indoor air quality. A small wine cellar integrated into the kitchen celebrates Alentejo wines, strengthening the relationship between the project and Portuguese culture.

The ecological principles guiding the intervention also shaped the furnishing and decoration, with a deliberate effort to collaborate with local artisans and prioritize nationally produced pieces. Sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility became inseparable parts of the design process rather than secondary considerations.

Refugium is a project that looks outward, embracing the coastal environment in which it is immersed, while preserving an intimate atmosphere centered on family life and quiet retreat. The careful balance between new interventions and existing elements results in an honest, timeless, and genuine architecture that returns to what is truly essential.