Renovation of a Market Hall near Lisbon by REDO Architects

The district was built on former farmland on the outskirts of Lisbon. Over time, it has developed into one of the largest social housing districts on the Iberian Peninsula. Against this backdrop, the Portuguese firm renovated a market hall of great social and historical significance. Converted into a market hall in the 1960s, the former dairy building has since become the neighbourhood's central meeting place. Through their work, REDO Architects aimed to revitalise the building's social and cultural value. To this end, they restored the former main hall, added an overarching wooden roof and standardised and expanded the room layout. 

The oversized wooden roof not only enhances the market hall but also builds upon its original structure and form. The southern overhang of the roof has created a new atrium offering space for temporary markets, street art and events. Made of black-lacquered steel portal frames reinforced with wooden purlins, the structure spans large distances and allows for a flexible market area on the ground floor. At the same time, it supports the shop areas on the floor above. This hybrid construction combines structural efficiency with ecological and economic sustainability. 

Interior view of the market hall, © Francisco-Nogueira 

The main hall was designed with flexible usage in mind. During the redesign, the opinions of existing retailers played a central role in shaping the concept. The existing main walls were retained, the sales areas were reorganised, and another floor was added to provide flexible rooms and services. A new circulation concept connects the two floors. Additional access points were added by the architects at each end of the hall, creating a continuous circular route with clear signage.  

Translucent double facade made of reusable polycarbonate panels in front of black-coated steel portal frames, reinforced by a wooden purlin that supports the oversized roof. © Eduardo-Montenegro 

The exterior of the building is clad with heat-treated wooden slats that serve as sun protection as well as providing an attractive design feature. The inner facade layer consists of reusable polycarbonate panels that provide weather protection and are easy to maintain. This double facade system allows natural ventilation and filters daylight, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of traditional market halls. 


More on revitalizing large hall buildings: The Gare Maritime in Brussels shows how a historic freight station hall can be transformed into a vibrant urban quarter with public spaces. Discover more details in our digital database Detail Inspiration.