Capsule Neo-Bistro marks the second collaboration between Atelier Réalité and Capsule, situated in the heart of Lisbon’s Baixa Pombalina district. The project reimagines the ground floor of an 18th-century Pombaline building, transforming it into a refined restaurant while preserving and elevating the site’s historic character.
Architectural Intent and Approach
Atelier Réalité, led by Mariana Póvoa, Pedro Pedroso, and Sílvia Rocio, approached the intervention with a strategy of minimal alteration. The design process prioritized the conservation of the building’s defining features, most notably, the original arches, which now serve as sculptural focal points. These arches are finished in a subtle light gray, seamlessly integrating with the walls and ceilings to create visual harmony.
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The spatial configuration remains largely intact, with new interventions carefully integrated to avoid overshadowing the historic framework. The continuous terrazzo flooring by Cunha Leal reinforces the space’s neutrality, while stainless steel elements by Plan B and bespoke oak, walnut, and leather furnishings introduce tactile contrast. The material selection, including wall coverings by Richimi and acoustic ceilings by Stier, balances durability with understated luxury.
Functional Zoning and Circulation
A continuous counter delineates the transition between the service/kitchen area and the main dining room, supporting the hybrid concept of bakery, kitchen, bar, and café. At the rear, a triangular island anchors the bar and café zone. Restrooms are discreetly positioned beyond a circulation tunnel, ensuring privacy without disrupting spatial flow.
Lighting is a defining element: large fan-shaped fixtures provide diffuse illumination, while Ginkgo Biloba leaf forms crafted in burel offer ornamental detail and acoustic comfort. The result is an environment that feels both welcoming and sophisticated, with technical complexity concealed beneath an aura of simplicity.
Collaborators and Execution
The realization of Capsule Neo-Bistro involved a network of skilled collaborators:
- Builder: Pavel e Sasha (Construção Civil), Gheoghe Pozdmacov (AVAC)
- Specialties Coordination: Sérgio Pires Santos
- Plumbing: Tiago Marques
- Gas and Fire Safety: Hugo Santos
- HVAC: Tiago Antunes
- Lighting: Luceplan, Flos, Wästberg
- Kitchen Equipment: Sternblu
- Coffee Machine: La Marzoco
- Tables and Chairs: Olaio, Bensen
- Taps: Dyson
- Sanitaryware: Toto
Interior and Visual Identity
Interior decoration and visual identity were developed to complement the architectural vision, with illustrations and bespoke design elements reinforcing the project’s cohesive aesthetic. The photographic documentation by Ivo Tavares Studio captures the interplay of light, material, and form, highlighting the transformation’s subtlety and inventiveness.
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Project Data
- Location: Lisboa, Portugal
- Year of Completion: 2024
- Total Area: 140 m²
- Architecture Office: Atelier Réalité
- Main Architects: Mariana Póvoa, Pedro Pedroso, Sílvia Rocio
- Photographer: Ivo Tavares Studio (ivotavares.net)
For more visit Atelier Realite official page atelier-realite.pt
