A FRANK CHAT WITH NUNO NASCIMENTO

The Número 6 project has been one of the most disruptive projects we've done over the years. It pushed us out of our comfort zone and compelled us to explore design principles beyond the everyday," says Nuno Nascimento, the lead architect behind the Numero 6 project. We met Nuno at his architecture studio just outside Lisbon to discuss brutalist architecture, creative collaborations, and why now is the best time to live in Portugal.

Número 6 stands out for its industrial aesthetics. It’s rare to find an apartment like this in Lisbon. Could you tell us more about the main principles behind the design?

Número 6 is truly one of a kind—it challenged us and expanded our design thinking. The design principles revolve around two key themes: raw design and bursts of colour.

In the raw design, the goal was to expose the infrastructure and highlight the roughness of construction and surface materials. This is contrasted with vibrant pops of colour—specifically orange, which is prominent in the bathroom fixtures and door handles. These elements ensure the space maintains a cosy and creative character.

It’s somewhat reminiscent of the Pompidou, right? Stainless steel, raw concrete, and brutalist architecture with vibrant accents.

Exactly. The Pompidou serves as an example of this kind of design on a larger scale. We drew inspiration from the Pompidou during our design process, as well as from architects like Gonzalez Haase. These architects are known for their love of raw design and brutalist architecture combined with bold colours.

What was your favourite part of the design process?

Collaborating creatively with another artist was a highlight. The relationship with the client was easy to navigate; as an artist and a creative, the owner was always respectful of the vision and enthusiastic about the ideas. It was a smooth, collaborative process. Together we created something that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.

The apartment is indeed unique, and it includes many distinctive features, such as shelves that act as functional dividers. Can you tell us more about this?

The layout was designed with the living room and its connection to the kitchen in mind. The brief specified an open space, but with a sense of distinct compartments. We wanted to create subtle barriers that allow you to experience one space while still being aware of the other. The exposed structure concept plays a key role here, with many functions integrated into a single piece. The shelves serve both the dining room and the living room, seamlessly connecting the two areas while maintaining their individuality.

What is your favourite thing about the apartment?

I really love the kitchen. I have a thing for stainless steel kitchens; you can make them dirty, and they give off the vibe of a restaurant, which isn’t typical in a residential project. I also like the bathrooms— particularly the shower with a curved wall and vertical orange tiles.

The apartment is located in Amoreiras. Was that intentional?

Yes, it was chosen because it's one of the coolest areas in Lisbon. You’re not right in the city centre, but you’re close to everything. At the same time, you don’t have to deal with heavy traffic. Being at the entrance to the city means you can walk everywhere— and Campo de Ourique is just around the corner. It doesn’t have a commercial feel; it’s more residential. It’s a cool neighbourhood with different lifestyles.

What are your favourite spots in Amoreiras?

The Italian market, Il Mercato—great Italian restaurants. Also, Forno d’Oro, which has some of the best pizzas in Lisbon.

Off-topic, but so many international people are moving to Lisbon these days. Why do you think Lisbon is such a great place to live?

The weather, the food, and the prices—it’s almost cliché to say! It’s still affordable, with such high quality at good prices. And the weather is unbeatable.

What’s your dream project to design or build? Or have you already done it?

My dream project would be to design a house for myself. Buying a plot and building a home where I can use all my work experience to create something I can live in and experience firsthand. It would be the ultimate expression of my creativity.

Follow over to see the full listing and contact us to learn about Número 6.