Luxury Residence in the heart of Lisbon

A Bold New Chapter for a Lisbon Icon

Nathalie, Co-founder of Studio Bisson shares the vision and artistic collaborations that shaped this unique project.

Nestled in the heart of Lisbon’s vibrant theater district, the Odeon Residence is a stunning transformation of a historic Art Deco cinema into a collection of luxury apartments. Studio Bisson’s co-founder takes us behind the scenes of this remarkable project, blending timeless elegance with contemporary design, and shares insights into the careful curation that brings this unique space to life.

Nathalie is putting the final touches of the Odeon Project

Photo courtesy of Telmo

1. Can you introduce the architectural project ?

To begin, let me provide some context and details about the location to help you better understand our decoration project. Housed in a building originally constructed as a theater and later converted into a cinema, the space exudes a unique charm all its own. It retains the aura of its past with a distinctive Art Deco atmosphere, highlighted by the striking top-stage statue and the majestic wooden ceiling. The result is a vibrant, historically rich, and monumental space that now also includes 13 modern apartments.

The building stands on a street that’s as lively and dynamic as the structure itself: Portas de Santo Antão. This avenue is renowned as a prime destination for high-end international fashion retailers and flagship stores, offering a mix of glamour and energy. The street continues its vibrancy into the heart of Lisbon’s theater district.

Palaces, theaters, churches, and local shops converge on this lively cobblestone pedestrian street, which is always bustling with activity. Sunlit cafés and restaurants line the way, adding to the area's charm. The street is steeped in history—here, in 1552, the great poet Luís de Camões was exiled to India after a brawl while defending a friend. The Independence Palace, named after the conspiracy meetings that led to the 1640 revolution, stands nearby. The 18th-century Church of St. Domingos, which survived both an earthquake and a fire, is another landmark. The Majestic Club, now the Casa do Alentejo restaurant, was once Lisbon’s first casino. The Coliseu dos Recreios, which opened its doors in 1890 as a comic opera theater, continues to be a cultural landmark. Surrounded by this rich history and vibrant atmosphere stands Odeon, a building with its own fascinating past.

The Living Area - Photos by Telmo

2. Odeon Building, what it is ?

When it opened in 1927, the Open Cinema quickly became the city's leading venue for silent films. It enjoyed widespread popularity from the 1950s to the 1970s, when going to the movies was a major social event. The cinema closed its doors in 1997, but its legacy lives on. Originally built as a theater and later adapted into a cinema, the building retains a unique charm, highlighted by Art Deco elements such as the iconic top-stage statue and the majestic Brazilian wood ceiling. These distinctive details have been carefully preserved during the building’s renovation.

Today, Odeon is a one-of-a-kind residential space, ideally situated to offer easy access to all that life in Lisbon has to offer. It seamlessly blends history with modern living, offering a vibrant atmosphere while maintaining its architectural integrity. The building retains part of its original metal façade, complete with suspended balconies, now enhanced with a contemporary touch. The result is a beautifully crafted apartment that combines the comfort and functionality of modern living with the tranquility and privacy of a unique historical setting.

The architect behind the Odeon project is Samuel Torres de Carvalho, a university professor with extensive experience in the rehabilitation of national heritage and historical buildings. His vision brings a perfect balance of contemporary design and historical preservation, offering residents an exceptional living experience in the heart of Lisbon.

The Bedroom - Photos by Telmo

3. What about the interiors of the apartments?

The apartments feature spacious, light-filled interiors with a contemporary design and minimalist finishes. From expansive balconies to soaring high ceilings, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to enhance both lifestyle and leisure across all five floors of high-quality residences.

4. Who was your client and what was the project line-up?

Our client entrusted us with decorating an apartment in the Odeon building, which he intends to rent out on a long-term basis. The objective was to create a space that would appeal to discerning tenants who seek both comfort and style. Unlike short-term Airbnb rentals or budget-focused designs, the target market for these apartments expects top-tier luxury. These tenants are familiar with high-end brands and designers such as Minotti, Porada, Meridiani, and WeWood, and are accustomed to staying in some of the world's finest hotels.

With this in mind, our goal was to deliver an elevated design that combines timeless elegance with minimalist interiors. We focused on incorporating iconic, recognizable pieces that reflect luxury while maintaining the clean, modern aesthetic of the space.

The Terrace - Photos by Telmo

5. What makes this decoration unique?

While VIPs appreciate comfort and exclusivity, they also value the inclusion of local touches and unique craftsmanship in their interiors. This philosophy aligns perfectly with our approach at Studio Bisson. To bring this vision to life, we introduced handmade ceramic light fixtures by Geo Jipa, an architect and designer we had the pleasure of collaborating with on the Boa Vista Social Club project a few years ago. These one-of-a-kind pieces add a distinctive local flair, elevating the overall design.

Lighting detail shots - Photos by Telmo

6. Do you have a favorite piece in this design?

Yes, absolutely! I have a particular fondness for the Meridiani puff—it perfectly complements the Art Deco ambiance of the building. It’s one of those pieces that really ties everything together! 😊