Baleias Café

Located in Lajes do Pico, in the Azores, Baleias Café seeks to recover and reinterpret elements of the island's traditional architecture, creating a place for gathering and social interaction deeply connected to the maritime identity and collective memory of its setting.

The intervention is based on a composition of simple volumes, characterised by white walls, pitched roofs and red-painted wooden shutters, drawing on distinctive references of traditional Azorean architecture. This architectural language establishes a sense of continuity with the surrounding built environment while giving the café its own distinctive identity.

Inside, the exposed timber structure and the use of natural materials create a welcoming atmosphere, complemented by decorative elements that evoke the maritime traditions and the historical connection between Lajes do Pico and the whaling industry.

The landscape design complements the architectural intervention, enhancing the surrounding setting and establishing continuity between the indoor and outdoor spaces. The arrangement of outdoor seating and circulation areas contributes to an informal and welcoming atmosphere, reinforcing the café's role as a place for gathering and engaging with the surrounding landscape.

The project seeks to reconcile the island's architectural and cultural heritage with a contemporary approach, transforming the café into a welcoming place for social interaction and relaxation, open to both the local community and visitors.