In the heart of Lisbon, on Rua das Pretas, the By Liberdade project has restored and unified two historic buildings (nos. 33–37 and 41–47), blending heritage with modern living.
Designed by Contacto Atlântico, the project preserved key architectural features — from the iconic tiled façades to the stonework — while introducing contemporary infrastructure. Skylights, lifts, and upgraded utilities were carefully integrated, ensuring the buildings retain their original volume and character.
Spanning a built area of 1,134.79 m², By Liberdade stands out for its meticulously restored façades. Ground-floor openings were reinstated according to historical layouts, door frames repaired, and windows modernised for safety and durability. Highlights include the light-blue Viúva Lamego tiles on 33–37, redesigned balconies, stone masonry façades, and the two original stair cores.
The ground floor now offers a seamless commercial space with improved pavement access, while upper floors feature one apartment per level, each with its own independent entrance. Inside, non-structural partitions were refurbished, staircases and entrance halls preserved, and a lift added to guarantee accessibility.
André Caiado, founder of Contacto Atlântico, expressed the studio’s “pride” in the project, describing By Liberdade as “another example of how urban regeneration can enhance Lisbon, restoring both beauty and historical identity.”
