Pátio do Tijolo

Intro

Tucked discreetly behind a simple steel-plated entranceway on a hillside street (it is Lisbon after all) sits a Zen-infused minimalist design hotel that marries the warmth of Portuguese crafts against an exposed industrial shell, aptly located between the fado bars and the bohemian spirit of Lisbon's Barrio Alto and Príncipe Real districts. Flooded by natural light, the chilled, modernist Pátio do Tijolo reveals two distinct and playful characteristics – one framing the verdant central patio-courtyard and Loureiro salon, the other affording infinity views across the Portuguese capital - a juxtaposed combo of urbane with a slow-tempo Portuguese retreat, all neatly brushed with curated style.

Designed by Carina Seelig of Lisbon-based architecture studio Base Geométrica in collaboration with Spanish owner-siblings Juan Tubella and interior designer Natalia Tubella, Pátio do Tijolo rises up over three floors in a raw, commanding architectural aesthetic with views over the Tagus River and the iconic Lisbon landmark – the tangerine-hued 25 de Abril suspension bridge. The interiors take on a narrative that borrows from Portugal's long-held design relationship with Japan - the smoothness of the Japanesque ambience is paired with designer icons and contemporary Portuguese soul. The Tubella siblings' desire to create a style commune with lots of corners and open spaces to gather in, the sanctuary of the patio gardens and plenty of thought-provoking eye candy is their hallmark. This is a testament to the history and pulse of Lisbon today, a city with which they fell in love. 

Built on the blueprint of a former woodwork and abandoned timber yard, Pátio do Tijolo has more than a cue of industrial chic. Concrete blocked flooring plays host to reed mats and gravel walkways with the lower floor walls of the patio formed by the pockmarked shell of the original carpentry shop, now softened with the growth of winding creepers, wide-leaved banana trees, waxy tropical plants and terracotta-tinted walls which catch the afternoon sun. This soothing patchwork of greens, now an al fresco chill space dotted with Bolonia metal furniture by Isimar, was curated by landscape designer Elena Somalo. 

The longitudinal façade of design-guesthouse Pátio do Tijolo stretches out in a prolonged geometric design inspired by the 18th-century architectural style fachada gayolera. Today, it adheres to contemporary design principles, balanced by slender vertical iron columns, which leave space for private balconies and terraces appointed to each room. Pátio do Tijolo'sfaçade evokes the pale tones of Lisbon's habitual limestone builds, presenting in a minimalist bone-white hue. Inside, the Lisbon hideaway curates a light palette with an industrial template of grey concrete and micro cement, which sets the staging of a worldly, sophisticated remit, an eclectic, fresh, yet poised mix of mid-century designer finds and heritage treasures. Tables by Hans Werner and Salvador chairs by Catalan designer Miguel Milá are just some of the designer touchpoints. A tactile overlaid feel comes courtesy of pitted concrete walls, tufted Berber rugs, swirled Extremoz and Tigra marble, handmade ceramics, Alentejo fabrics and blankets woven with virgin wool from the Serra da Estrela. Lighting design specialists Marset were charged with subtle illumination of the Pátio do Tijolo highlighting the architectural features, landscaping and interiors with pieces like the Dipping Light by Jordi Canudas, suspension lamps by Globo and Cesta by Santa & Cole, pendant lamps by Artemide and oversized hanging lamps Jaima by Joan Gaspar float above the courtyards.

A love letter to the sophisticated curation of designer finds and with its ambience set firmly to chill, Pátio do Tijolo, cradled into the slope of the Bairro Alto is the perfect style pitstop and respite from Lisbon's cobbled streets and after-hours scene. A Portuguese bolthole with added Zen, Pátio do Tijolo has plenty of places to sit and ponder, escorted by a covetable design ensemble. 

Rooms

Foodie

Location

Owners