DATA SHEET
Architecture: ARX Architects
Interior design: Viterbo Interior Design
Furnishings: Custom made designed by Viterbo Interior Design; Baxter, Calico, CC tapis, Christophe Delcourt, Kettal, Larose Guyon, Paola Lenti, Ron Arad, Tom Dixon
Photo credits: Francisco Nogueira
She is fascinated by transformation, and the history of every client. Perhaps this is why Gracinha Viterbo has focused on a sense of surprise in the design of the shared areas inside Castilho 203 in Lisbon, the most important residential development in Portugal. With her Viterbo Interior Design team, the challenge was to create spaces that would not be extraneous to the striking architecture of the building, a work by ARX Architects, but would also bring balance to its robust, linear force.
As always, Gracinha has attempted to understand the users, their desires, interpreting their lives, surroundings and possible scenarios inside the spaces. For the entrance lobby, the indoor pool, the outdoor pool area, the spa, fitness club and cinema, she has developed an almost futuristic voyage through tactile surfaces and gentle, lively organic forms.
In the lobby triple-height ceilings and large windows flood the space with natural light, combining a theatrical chandelier with a pale sofa, a kind of calling card tableau leading to the successive spaces. Every detail has been honed to perfection. The work of local craftsmen in wood, copper, marble and brass, based on the studio’s designs, mingles with site-specific installations by contemporary artists. Like that of the floral designer Violetta Goldaracena positioned precisely over the reception counter of the spa, completely transforming a zone that would otherwise be rather dark.
White and nude tones form a contrast with more accentuated hues of coral and raspberry. A palette echoed in the sofas, consoles and counters made to measure by Viterbo Interior Design, as well as indoor and outdoor furnishings by CC Tapis, Christophe Delcourt, Larose Guyon, Tom Dixon, Baxter, Ron Arad, Calico, Paola Lenti and Kettal.
A versatile creative talent, Gracinha Viterbo creates sophisticated, inimitable interiors, reflections of experiences, memories, values passed down from bygone days. Like the love of traditional craftsmanship, transmitted by her mother Graça Viterbo, the founder of the studio 50 years ago, where Gracinha says, “I immediately learned to get my hands dirty.”
