alvaro siza restores clifftop 'boa nova' tea house in portugal

renowned portuguese architect alvaro siza has renovated ‘the boa nova tea house’, a project he originally completed in 1963. the structure, which has been fully renovated, now serves as a restaurant with all of its original characteristics preserved.

the building is accessed through a series of platforms and stairs that lead guests to a sheltered entrance below a low roof canopy. offering expansive views of the surrounding landscape, the building’s painted concrete walls both hide and reveal the sea and the horizon line. the tea room has large windows above an exposed concrete base, while the fully glazed dining room leads to an external plateau. in both rooms, the window frames can slide down beneath the floor, leaving the long projecting eaves in continuum with the ceiling.

the building is accessed through a series of platforms and stairs
image by joao morgado (also main image)

common to siza’s early works, a diverse range of materials is present throughout the scheme. the design includes white-plastered masonry walls, exposed concrete pillars and an abundant use of the red african wood in the cladding of the walls, ceilings and frames. furniture – also designed by siza – has been reproduced according to the specific requirements of his original plans.

the structure now serves a restaurant with all of its original characteristics preserved
image by joao morgado

the entrance to the ‘boa nova tea house’
image by joao morgado

the structure perched on its clifftop setting
image by joao morgado

the restaurant offers expansive panoramic views of the surrounding landscape
image by joao morgado

the fully glazed dining room leads to an outdoor plateau
image by joao morgado

furniture – also designed by siza – has been reproduced according to his specific requirements
image by joao morgado

common to siza’s early works, a diverse range of materials is present throughout the scheme
image by joao morgado

the restored building gently illuminated at night
image by joao morgado

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project info:

architecture: alvaro siza vieira
originally built: 1963
fully renovated: 2014
location: matosinhos, portugal
photography: joao morgado – architecture photography