Álvaro Siza Faithfully Restores His Boa Nova Tea House in Portugal

<a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/pritzker-prize/">Pritzker Prize</a>-winning architect <a href="http://alvarosizavieira.com/" target="_blank">Álvaro Siza</a> originally built the <a href="http://alvarosizavieira.com/1963-boa-nova-tea-house" target="_blank">Boa Nova Tea House</a> in 1963, and he recently restored the project to return it to its full glory. Located near Siza's hometown of Porto, Portugal, the Boa Nova Tea House sits by the edge of the ocean on a rocky outcropping with outstanding views of the horizon. The faithfully restored restaurant is now open again under the guidance of Portuguese chef <a href="http://ruipaula.com/web/?page_id=1925" target="_blank">Rui Paula</a>.

The Boa Nova Tea House was one of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/alvaro-siza/" target="_blank">Álvaro Siza's</a> first completed projects, and it served as a restaurant for many years.

Located about 300 meters from the road in Motosinhos to the north of Porto, the restaurant enjoys a close relationship with the ocean.

Over the course of 50 years the building fell into disrepair, so Siza set out to restore his project and make it beautiful and operational.

Diners arrive at the restaurant via an ascending system of platforms and stairs and then enter a double-height atrium with access to a swanky bar.

The restaurant has a butterfly floor plan with two main rooms opening up to the west and to the ocean.

The new Boa Nova Tea House opened in July 2014 led by Portuguese Chef <a href="http://ruipaula.com/web/?page_id=1925" target="_blank">Rui Paula</a>.

The kitchen, storage and employee areas are sunken in the back, and a large mast-like chimney rises above the terracotta tile roof.

Original materials were all restored including the white-plastered masonry walls, exposed concrete pillars and red African ‘Afizelia’ wood finishes and ceiling.

The furniture, which was also designed by Siza, was also recreated.

The restaurant features large windows that open to the ocean for amazing views that offer a lot of light.

The restaurant is known for its seafood, much of which is sourced locally.

Sections of the Boa Nova Tea House

Floorplan of the Boa Nova Tea House