second home lisbon by selgascano

sharing the same building as the mercado da ribeira – lisbon’s oldest food market – is second home lisboa, the portuguese capital’s latest creative co-working space to open. the interior adaptation project by selgascano is bursting in vivid color and greenery, providing a workspace and an array of facilities for its 250 members.

image © iwan baan

as the trend of co-working spaces around the world is on the rise, second home lisboa hopes to evolve into a venue that focuses on sustainability and sparks conversation and relationships between occupants. with over 1,000 plants and trees organized throughout, selgascano uses greenery not only as a decorative element, but also to reduce background noise and improve air quality. the interior was approached in a domestic scale: different furnishings and lights have been integrated including mid-century pieces and bauhaus originals.

potted plants serve as natural partitioning on the curving tables
image © iwan baan

‘two completely different spaces have been created in the given L shaped plan: the main working space where the long table sits, and the café lounge area. both designed to be distinct and even opposite spaces: one for people to work and another for people to relax, talk and unwind. each space with a totally different ambience and personality.’ – lucia cano, co-founder of selgascano

500 different desk chairs and lamps focus on creating a domestic interior
image © iwan baan

the intervention is sympathetic to the existing architectural structure where the original steel beams and trusses belonging to the 1892 market are still a highlight inside the open-plan layout. open 24 hours a day, ‘second home’ offersfour private meeting rooms, a communal café, a library and even a surf bus to take members to the beach before and after work. in addition, the versatile nature of the interior allows it to turn into a cultural venue able host films, live music, and talks.

the workspace has a philosophy of supporting creativity, entrepreneurship and well-being
image © iwan baan

selgascano has also designed the second home space in london
image © iwan baan

the library, café and lounge are situated in a space marked with primary colors
image © iwan baan

inside one of the four private meeting rooms
image © iwan baan

at night, the space hosts live music and social events
image © iwan baan

project info:

client: second home (founded by sam aldenton and rohan silva)
architects: selgascano (founded by jose selgas and lucia cano)
location: mercado da ribeira, avenida 24 de julho, lisboa
size of project: 12,000 sq ft
project cost: €1.3 million
environmental engineer: richie & daffin
prime contractor: old2new
total number of plants and trees: 1,200
number of different chairs and lamps: 500
key architectural features: automated cross-ventilation system, radiant heat flooring, low energy consumption led light-bulbs
key materials: methacralyte, fibreglass, kronospan
furniture: mid-century original chairs and lamps, howe 40/4 swivel chair designed by david rowland, selgascano tables and bar

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selgascano fills second home lisbon creative incubator with 1,000 plants

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