The Aloha Surf Bar

A concrete and glass structure that mirrors a sandy coastal landscape.

Located in Vila do Conde, Portugal, this contemporary design blends into a coastal landscape with ease. Designed by architect Hugo Monte, the Aloha Surf Bar draws inspiration from the poetry of the natural setting. The curved forms and dynamic silhouettes mirror the nearby sand dunes, while the orientation of the volume follows an existing path. As a result, the building opens itself to spectacular views, with windows overlooking the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean and the historic Forte de São João Baptista das Berlengas, farther away in the distance.

Emerging “like a long caravan in the desert”, Aloha Surf Bar makes this coastal landscape its home. The light color of the exterior matches the dunes, while the curved lines give a flowing look to the design. Apart from the wider openings towards the ocean, the building also features a spacious deck area that invites visitors to stop for a moment and admire the landscape.

The project includes both a surf school and a bar. The former features a reception area, storage spaces for equipment, changing rooms, and toilets. A passage connects the surf school to the bar. Here, the architect designed a large, open space. In a separate area, there’s a kitchen and storage as well as sanitary facilities. The project keeps nature and architecture in perfect balance, allowing the two elements to co-exist in harmony. Photographs© Hugo Monte.