NEVER TOO SMALL: From Dark to Light Heritage Attic Transformation, Lisbon 60sqm/645sqft

Located at the top of a heritage protected building in one of Lisbon's oldest industrial areas, the aptly named Marvila attic was completely transformed by KEMA Studio using sustainable, durable materials like fibre cement panels, metal and brick. Focusing on opening up the space and maximising natural light, KEMA removed all internal walls, creating an open-plan layout with seamlessly integrated kitchen, dining, and living areas. Nestled under the sloped roof, the living room features a full height storage wall, with a clever niche for a sofa that doubles as a single bed. A section of the kitchen is hidden within the living room storage unit and revealed by sliding pocket doors. The addition of 4 new skylights, two dormer windows and the clever placement of mirrors illuminates the space creating an open and airy atmosphere. With its clever design, this apartment optimises space and light without compromising comfort, making it a true gem in Lisbon's industrial heart.

#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign

Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee @colinchee_nts
Cinematographer: Janz Anton-Iago
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Sebastian Tibbs @badboi_was_here
Music: Holding Hands by Beneath the Mountain, Bathtub of a Monk by Mee

[reshapeceramics]

We are so happy to see our handmade ceramics in this NEVER TOO SMALL!
We are a small ceramics brand in Portugal whose pieces are made by people that are or used to be incarcerated. We believe that fair labor and empowerment are key for the (re)integration of the prison community. Thank you for believing in second chances!

[clairewright]

Wow, I love what the architects have achieved in such a small difficult space. The hidden storage is abundant throughout the apartment and I’d love to lay in bed and watch a lightning storm

[nanajiloh]

The before pictures really show the work that has been put into this. From a bleak, depressing apartment where dreams go to die to a beautiful, airy and dreamy space!

[jessisoffline]

Breathtaking lines and diffusion of light. The space is almost sculptural but not pretentious. I could rewatch this all day 😍

[timepi]

I love the recessed sofa, integrated storage and partly hidden kitchen. Light and lines and airiness in such a limited space is lovely.

[sianthesheep]

They have done an amazing job despite the challenge of working with so many wall and ceiling angles. I especially love the integrated storage wall in the living room and being able to have part of the kitchen hidden away definitely streamlines the room and makes it appear more spacious.

[zielonakota]

The layout is great, the storage wall looks beautiful and very functional. And all the windows make this apartment so sunny! Polish girls rocks!

[Bukz]

Flat has been well done, but it feels like it was renovated with airbnb in mind, especially with only a kitchenette and that sofa

[inthemoodforlife_official]

What a joy and honour to film and work with @nevertoosmall on this Lisbon apartment video! Thank you for choosing me as your videographer here. It was also great to work with KEMA architects. Super thrilled that Lisbon is featured in this amazing channel. Love this city. 💛 Keep up the amazing work on this channel!

[avengerwidow]

i love how this apartment gets so much light from the skylights and windows... kudos to the architects for creating such a cool space!

[prbshlvr]

I didn't know I needed a skylight over my bed until now. *Mindblown*

[daviddiniz]

Lindo!!
This made me cry, as a fan of the channel never ever i thought i would ever seen an apartment from Lisbon in here. So proud!

Such a beautiful city, with so much culture.

They did an amazing work, i hope more people in Portugal can be inspired by this video.

Obrigado ❤️

[stackels]

Heavenly!!! All that storage, without feeling cluttered, while also adding beautiful visual touches like the tiles behind the couch.
Absolutely stunning.

[oygenn]

The amount of hidden storage is amazing, and so perfectly integrated in every corner - I love it!
Overall airy design and modern lines are inspiring, IMO one of the nicest apartments featured on this channel.

[SuAndFox]

This is a stunning transformation in my view and one of my favourite apartment renovations featured here. The Architects have taken full advantage of the space, the view, incoming light and internal reflection of light. A wonderful use of space using thoughtful, crisp design elements. And what a beautiful part of the world. I Love everything about it!

[barrybr]

Every inch of this space is considered and tastefully designed. So beautiful!

[rubenibarra]

Love it! A lot of natural light coming into the apartment. It makes it look so bright and full of life

[Janine]

What a beautiful streamlined space, that is very cozy feeling.

[davorz]

Liked it a lot. I'd preffer an open L shaped kitchen instead of that half hidden one, but appart from that, everything they've done with such a small and difficult space is amazing. It seems much bigger that it is.

[marianarojassanchez]

I like the way it takes advantage of the space, I think it's a good idea to put built-in furniture, plus the lighting strategy with its sloping deck is incredible