Chiado Penthouse Rooftop
A 45 m² azotea atop a renovated Chiado penthouse now hosts an olive grove in custom planters, a built-in L-shaped bench in marine teak, and a retractable Pergola Bioclimatika aluminium system. Views span the castle, river, and Atlantic horizon.
Microcement flooring in warm sand tone continues from the interior living room through sliding pocket doors. Integrated LED strips wash perimeter walls at night. Completed 2024; design and coordination fee €6,200.
The owners use the space for morning coffee and evening entertaining from April through November, reporting a 40% reduction in interior air-conditioning use since the pergola was installed.
Belém Riverfront Balcony
This 12 m² narrow balcony faced west over the Tagus with brutal afternoon sun and no privacy from the street below. Picchalham installed a fold-down teak table, wall-mounted planters with trailing rosemary, and a translucent wind screen.
A cantilevered shade sail deploys on tensioned cables and stows flat against the wall when not needed. Total transformation cost €1,850 including furniture and planting.
The client, a couple in their sixties, described the balcony as 'the room we never knew we had' — a common response to thoughtful small-space terrace design.
Sintra Garden Pavilion
A freestanding 28 m² pavilion in a Sintra villa garden uses cork cladding, a green roof planted with sedum, and full-height glass on three sides opening to the lawn. Interior fit-out includes a daybed, bookshelf, and concealed outdoor shower.
The structure required municipal planning permission and coordination with a landscape architect for broader garden integration. Project total €11,400; completed over fourteen weeks in 2023.
The pavilion serves as a reading retreat, children's playroom, and occasional guest accommodation — demonstrating how terrace architecture can add functional square metres without extending the main building footprint.
Alfama Courtyard Refresh
A shaded 18 m² pátio in Alfama received new schist paving, a wall fountain with azulejo surround, and climbing jasmine on tensioned wires. Furniture was limited to two folding chairs and a wall-mounted drop-leaf table to preserve openness.
Low-voltage lighting highlights the fountain and jasmine at night. Design fee €2,100; client self-managed contractor execution using our drawings.
Historic neighbourhood restrictions prevented overhead structures, so the design embraced shade from existing plane trees and vertical greening rather than pergolas.
Cascais Villa Pool Terrace
An 85 m² pool terrace received new non-slip limestone coping, a poolside outdoor kitchen with Estremoz marble counter, and a shaded dining pergola. Planting beds between paving slabs contain agapanthus and ornamental grasses.
Full design, procurement, and installation oversight totalled €24,600 over sixteen weeks. Smart irrigation and lighting integrate with the villa's home automation system.
This project represents our comprehensive villa service — from initial brief through contractor management to seasonal maintenance subscription in year two.