A residential project by Cristina Jorge de Carvalho was distinguished at the International Property Awards

Present on the market for more than 15 years, the Lisbon-based Cristina Jorge de Carvalho – Interior Design studio has continuously reached new heights. Proof of that are the important international distinctions it has received over the years, such as the prize for Best Hotel Interior for Europe at the European Hotel Awards for its work at the Hotel Altis Prime, and the Inter­national Design Award for the conceptual project of the Champalimaud Foundation, both in Lisbon.

But the accolades don’t stop there. Cristina Jorge de Carvalho’s projects continue to surprise, and recently, the designer saw her work recognised internationally once more. This time, it was a residential project located in Albufeira, whose architectural conception, interior architecture and décor were all conceived by the Portuguese atelier. The family home, which won Best Architecture Single Residence Portugal, awarded by the International Property Awards, covers a construction area of 700sqm and is decisively contemporary, with an emphasis on a clean, rectilinear language. “Being awarded this interior design prize, on a European level, and competing with the most prominent architecture studios in the world, represents great pride and the international recognition of a professional and creative project of excellence,” says Cristina Jorge de Carvalho.

Reflecting a cool and laid-back atmosphere, in keeping with the general characteristics of this southern region, The Algarve House heightens the importance of the exterior, featuring a diversity of environments, from the swimming pool to the extensive deck area (close to the main house), along with a lounge area with outdoor fireplace and privileged access to two beaches. Comprising two floors – one coated in stone, which makes reference to the “volumetric pre-existence of past times”, and the other purposely built for this project, which overlaps the first and aligns with the sea –, the property also features grand glass panes that dematerialise the volumetric mass and reinforce the connection to the sea. Extensive terraces accentuate this trend, offering various framings of the surrounding landscape.

A departure from the traditional compartmentalisation of spaces, this project is instead defined by generous spaces with a very clean approach, and presents a selection of materials and textures that convey elegance and timelessness to the different areas. For the pavements and flooring of the common areas and terraces, the materials of choice were cement and stone (bateig blue), the same stone used on the coating of one of the floors that runs from the exterior to the interior.

The social areas were conceived to be extensive and flooded with light, enhanced by a neutral colour palette that contrasts with some black iron details, present in key elements such as the stairs, elevator and fireplace. Contrastingly, the more private areas convey comfort through the use of natural oak wood, while the bathrooms, clad in Italian marble, provide a touch of elegance and luxury. Transcending trends and defined by their contemporary, timeless and unique design, the CJC – Interior Design projects denote the atelier’s sober and unique style, and this one is no exception.

“The marvellous thing about this profession is starting something new and being able to put all our creative capacity into one project,” explained Cristina Jorge de Carvalho in an interview with Essential last year. “I am an extremely demanding person and, as such, exacting standards are the basic premise of my projects and of all my team. The detail with which we work is one of a kind. We want to offer the best the client can have, and that goes from the quality of the interior architecture project through to the décor. In essence, it’s a five-star tailor-made service.” After yet another international distinction, her statements still make perfect sense.

Photos by Francisco Almeida Dias / Portrait Filipe Pombo