French architecture firm D.L.2.A (Didier Lefort Architectes Associés) has completed a fish-like bamboo restaurant in Principe, in the Gulf of Guinea. Led by Didier Lefort, the project was completed only in five weeks by a team of experimented Indonesian workers. 

The firm has recently been awarded the 2019 Prix de Versailles in the "restaurants" category in the Africa and West Asia regions for its exceptional architecture and design in the context of sustainable development.

The project, named Sundy Praia's Bamboo Restaurant, was realized as part of a 5-star Sundy Praia Hotel, which opened in 2018 on the Principe island in the Gulf of Guinea, is by far the most beautiful address on the island.

Composed of luxurious bungalows – in the form of tents anchored to the ground by retractable screws to limit the impact on the forest – the hotel strictly respects the wishes of the island's patron, Mark Shuttleworth, who wanted to create a luxury hotel that was very environmentally friendly.

The hotel’s astonishing restaurant was entirely created with a bamboo structure and built by a team of experimented Indonesian workers in five weeks. 

"This amazing structure of arches, all of different dimensions, was mainly assembled by hand with natural ties and only bolted at key areas," said D.L.2.A.

"From above, this extraordinary restaurant resembles a big fish which would have washed up in the middle of the jungle. The undulating spine and the wide open mouth are easily recognizable."

This Jonah’s whale, which can accommodate up to 100 people inside and on the terrace, measures 24 m from head to tail, 11 m high for the the highest area and 3 m at the smallest end.

The elegant decoration is partly due to the talents of local craftsmen such as the chandeliers in bamboo braiding inspired by fishermen's creels, the long buffet tables designed by the D.L.2.A agency, the large curtains held by tiebacks of large seeds – similar to necklaces – and a collection of a hundred crystal decanters, bargain-hunted little by little by Caroline, the designer's spouse.

Divine at breakfast time, Sundy Praia’s restaurant is particularly romantic in the evening. All guests find their own spaces in this area which varies in height and in width. 

Lovers dine by candlelight near the mouth of the fish, families in the belly area, VIPs incognito at the narrowest end of the restaurant. Terraces are also very popular, especially on starry and full moon nights.

The company has a twenty five years’ experience in many projects. DL2A sets his international reputation through 5 continents and 17 countries. DL2A office in Paris, have many correspondents around the world.

All images courtesy of D.L.2.A

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