When you see Palácio Santa Helena, with its striking architectural lines and clean Lisbon aesthetic, it would be hard to believe that the building is 400 years old and steeped in a rich history. That’s how fantastic a job Stone has done in rehabilitating the building and breathing fresh, new life into it – ensuring that its legacy continues for several more centuries into the future. 

Stone is an architecture firm that specializes in the rehabilitation and restoration of buildings and historic neighborhoods through the deployment of its expert skills, workmanship, and out-the-box thinking.  

For its latest project, Luxury Lifestyle Awards awarded Stone an impressive three titles – Best Luxury Real Estate Developer in Portugal, Best Luxury Residential Development for Palácio Santa Helena in Portugal, and Best Luxury Residential Renovation for Palácio Santa Helena in Portugal – for turning Palácio Santa Helena into a modern, vibrant and architecturally innovative luxury residence.

The firm exceeded even its own expectations of what would be possible with such a culturally significant building (the palace was for the family residence of the Counts of St. Martin, holders of high positions in the Portuguese court, for several centuries), which is now home to 20 apartments of between 51 sqm and 483 sqm.  

The apartments simultaneously retreat into a square and open into a wonderful and unexpected view of the Tagus – which is the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula – making the recovery of the Santa Helena Palace an endearing declaration of love for life in the lovely city of Lisbon. They are designed in a contemporary style, using well-defined lines to create structure and poise.

Characterized by large windows and glass doors, the apartments allow an abundance of light and sunshine to enter, making for inspired living. No two apartments are the same, thus appealing to a diverse range of residents. Whether you favor a quiet indoor garden for relaxing afternoons for two, a swimming pool to have fun with the family on weekends, or the simply stunning front view of the Tagus to accompany dinners with friends, Santa Helena Palace delivers.  

Arthur and Geoffroy Moreno, founders of Stone said: “It has been a great privilege for us to work on Palácio Santa Helena. A building with so much life and character is always a unique challenge because you want to honor the history of the people that used the building historically. At the same time, the creative urge to reimagine something old is strong, but naturally, this must be done with great care and respect.” 

Arthur and Geoffroy Moreno founded Stone in 2010. According to Arthur Moreno, “At Stone, we are passionate about the story of every project we take on and we carry that story further to generate value and add to a legacy of comfort and beauty”. Stone’s unique approach to its work is what sets it apart from other architecture firms, hence it has developed the reputation it enjoys today. A reputation for professionalism, creative innovation, and design excellence.  

A key focus for the Morenos and the rest of their team at stone is to put in place architectural, construction, and design interventions that lead to the creation and development of better neighborhoods. Their vision isn’t just for each individual client, whom they value immensely; rather, their aim is to incorporate the greater environment. Curiously, it is this unconventional approach that has seen Stone attract clients and establish itself as an industry leader in Portugal. To date, the firm has delivered an impressive 1,500+ apartments and worked on several other developments in its primary city of operation, Lisbon.  

For more about Stone, visit https://www.stonecapital.pt/