Casa Quelhas: A Lisbon Masterpiece by Paulo Mendes da Rocha

Located on the site of an old building in Lisbon's Lapa district, Casa Quelhas is one of the most beautiful homes in the city. It was designed by renowned architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha, winner of the Pritzker Prize in Brazil. The building's unique concrete aesthetic and clever use of light and space, while also harmonizing the building with the landscape, perfectly embodies Da Rocha's design philosophy.

The owners were an art-loving Portuguese couple who had lived in London for many years and eventually returned to Portugal, eager for a space that would be both family-friendly and a showcase for their collection of Brazilian furniture. Paul Mendez da Rocha was the perfect choice for this design with his avant-garde design style and shared space concept.

The couple, along with architectural restoration expert Ines Lobo, discovered the building while exploring Portugal's cultural heritage. The house is located in the highlands of the Lapa neighborhood, with spectacular views over Lisbon, the Tagus River and the Atlantic Ocean. Although the building was abandoned at the time, these stunning views convinced them that it would be the ideal home.

The design of Casa Quelhas retains the green tiled facade of the 1930s, making it unobtrusive from the street. But on the back side of the building, Paolo Mendez da Rocha has reshaped the space with a white concrete structure, adding a modern swimming pool that perfectly blends into Lisbon's skyline.

In terms of architectural configuration, Casa Quelhas subverts the traditional layout and adopts an inverted design. The first and second floors are home to bedrooms and private Spaces, while the third floor is home to a kitchen and dining room with direct access to the floating pool. At the top, on the fourth floor, there is a living room, with wide floor-to-ceiling Windows that fill the space with natural light, just as the architects intended, incorporating the light and shadow of Lisbon into everyday life.

The decor and furniture selection of Casa Quelhas is handled by the owners, and the interior is filled with their careful collection of Brazilian furniture and works of art, including designs by masters such as Sergio Rodriguez, Joaquin Trero and Jorge Zalshupin. In the living room in particular, a sofa designed by Paulo Alves, an armchair by Carlos Motta and a sculpture by Michelangelo Rocha create a harmony between art and living space.

Casa Quelhas is not only a house, but also a showcase space for art and design. In the dining room, tables designed by Jorge Zalszupin form an elegant combination with chairs by Vittorio Nobili. Works by Portuguese artist Joao Louro hang on the walls, adding to the artistic atmosphere of the space. In the children's room and playroom, Marcenaria Barauna tables and chairs are placed, reflecting the warmth of home. Every corner of the room has been carefully designed and furnished. It demonstrates the high standards of the architect and the client.

The terrace of the backyard pool overlooks the view of the mouth of the Tagus River, and the 25 de Abril bridge looms as a touch. Paulistano chairs by Paulo Mendes da Rocha combine with simple flower POTS on the terrace to create a cozy outdoor space. The natural landscape and urban life are perfectly integrated.

Casa Quelhas is the only private home designed by Paulo Mendes da Rocha outside Brazil, symbolizing the Pritzker Prize winner's unique understanding of space sharing, simple elegance and the use of light and shadow. Art, life and architecture mingle in this home with a view of Lisbon, creating one of the most aesthetically attractive buildings in Lisbon.

Nestled within the architectural marvel of Casa Quelhas, designed by the legendary Paulo Mendes da Rocha, lies a sanctuary where art, life, and design converge. Just as the home embraces the essence of Lisbon's light and shadow, our Modena Delicate Floral Print Pillow Covers from Domvitus bring a touch of this refined elegance to your space. With their intricate floral patterns and delicate hues, these pillow covers are the perfect complement to a home that values the harmony between modern design and artistic flair. Let the Modena pillow covers be the subtle accent that ties together the beauty of your living area, much like the way Casa Quelhas ties together the spirit of Lisbon. Experience the fusion of comfort and artistry that makes Domvitus the choice of those who appreciate the finer things in life.