Location: Lisbon, Portugal

Interior Designer: Lázaro Rosa Violán Studio

Hotel Group/ Developer: Locke Living

Lazaro Rosa Violan Studio approached Locke de Santa Joana as a sensitive transformation of a protected 17th-century Lisbon convent into a contemporary urban resort. The studio’s design strategy centred on understanding the existing architecture in detail, using exhaustive spatial analysis to navigate heritage requirements while unlocking opportunities within the historic structure. The aim was to create light-filled, open-plan environments that respect the convent’s significance while introducing a fresh, youthful character for modern travellers and Lisbon’s creative community.

Four conceptual pillars shaped the studio’s approach: historical integrity, abundant natural light, casual materiality and fresh aesthetics. These principles informed everything from the spatial planning to the choice of finishes and furnishings. Natural materials, comfortable elements and warm pastel tones bring an approachable quality to the historic interiors, while clear, warm colours add contemporary energy without overwhelming the architecture. The programme incorporates five dining and drinking venues, co-working spaces, event areas, fitness facilities and a courtyard pool, with each element contributing to a cohesive hospitality experience.

Lazaro Rosa Violan Studio also placed storytelling at the heart of the project, allowing the convent’s history to become part of the guest experience. Original artefacts, including cutlery once used by the convent’s nuns, are displayed as art, while a dedicated museum presents discoveries uncovered during restoration. These details create a layered narrative in which 17th-century heritage, Portuguese cultural identity and contemporary hospitality coexist naturally.

The result is a thoughtful adaptive reuse project that transforms architectural constraints into opportunities for creative expression. Locke de Santa Joana functions as both a hospitality destination and a neighbourhood catalyst, welcoming local creatives, international travellers and remote workers. Through careful intervention, Lazaro Rosa Violan Studio has created a space that honours the convent’s past while embracing Lisbon’s evolving identity, allowing its history to remain an active and meaningful part of the present.