Cicioso Boutique Hotel

Originally a single-family house designed in 1913 by the notable Portuguese architect Raul Lino, MJARC is responsible for the interior design and developed the rehabilitation project to transform it into a new hotel unit in the historic center of Évora.

The major challenge was to adapt the existing spaces to a new use, making it possible to articulate the new requirements without distorting them. The new hotel will have 15 accommodation units, ten in the main building and five in the secondary building.

From an architectural point of view, the vaulted ceilings and wooden floors have been preserved. The sinks will be designed and produced locally. The service, restaurant and reception areas have been centralized in the main building. Of particular note is the verticality and luminosity introduced by the winter garden, located in the center of the main house’s social area.

This project prioritizes fundamental initiatives for sustainable practices. At the heart of this approach is the intentional expansion of the courtyard garden, reducing paved surfaces to increase water absorption and minimize heat retention. Equally crucial is our commitment to preserving existing tree species, recognizing their role in biodiversity and carbon absorption. In addition, our dedication to preserving the building’s identity avoids unnecessary environmental impacts associated with demolition and construction.

Finally, the commitment to preserving the building’s history and identity, coupled with a responsible desire to continue rewriting it, reflects a careful and sustainable development approach, taking into account both environmental and cultural aspects.