Baffi Restaurant São Francisco De Paula, Mátria Park Rio Grande Do Sul building images, Brazil architecture
Baffi Restaurant in São Francisco De Paula, Rio Grande Do Sul
16 September 2025
Architects: Alencar
Location: Mátria Park, São Francisco de Paula, Rio Grande do Sul, southern region of Brazil.
Photos by Leonardo Finotti
Baffi Restaurant, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil
The Baffi Restaurant is located in Mátria Park, in São Francisco de Paula, Rio Grande do Sul. Internationally recognized, the project has received attention in prestigious design competitions, including the IDPA Japan Design Awards, DNA Paris Awards, NY Architectural Design Awards, BLT Design Awards, ArchDaily Obra do Ano, Architizer A+ Awards, Architecture Hunter Awards, and Architecture MasterPrize. It demonstrates a careful integration of architecture, nature, and functionality, showing how a building can be expressive while seamlessly embedded in its natural surroundings.
Inspired by the mountains and vegetation around the park, the restaurant was designed to follow the existing relief, partially camouflaged within the landscape. Its structure extends towards a large lake, framing views of the sunset. Exposed concrete and finely detailed frames define its contemporary character, while the use of local materials reflects a sustainable approach, reducing the need for long-distance transportation.
The Baffi Restaurant is more than a gastronomic destination: it is also a meeting point and a place for rest. Visitors can walk on its accessible roof and explore different perspectives of the park, creating a playful and interactive experience. Beyond design, the project involved training local residents in construction techniques, providing new skills and long-term employment. In this way, Baffi represents Alencar’s commitment to creating possible futures combining architecture, sustainability, and community in a project that inspires and connects.
What was the main inspiration behind the design of Baffi Restaurant?
The inspiration came from the surrounding landscape of Matria Parque de Flores. Instead of creating an object placed on the land, we wanted the building to become part of the terrain. By following the natural topography, the restaurant feels integrated into the hills and gardens, giving visitors the sense that architecture and nature are one.
How did the construction process involve the local community?
One of the most meaningful aspects of the project was the decision to build together with the local community. The city is positioned between larger urban centers and functions as a satellite town, with limited access to skilled labor. Relying only on external workers would not have been sustainable, so we trained local residents to participate in the construction, teaching them how to work with concrete and build according to the methods we envisioned. Many later continued working at the park as gardeners or staff members, ensuring that the knowledge gained became part of everyday life. This approach not only created jobs and provided new skills, but also strengthened the local economy, boosted tourism, and gave the city national visibility. Most importantly, it generated a profound sense of belonging: The park is more than a place to visit; it represents a collaborative process where the community itself helped shape the space and rediscovered pride in their hometown
How does the project address sustainability?
Sustainability in the Baffi Restaurant was approached in multiple dimensions. Environmentally, the building follows the natural topography and is partially embedded into the terrain, reducing visual impact and improving thermal performance. Passive design strategies, natural ventilation, and the use of local materials further minimize energy consumption. Equally important, the project addressed social sustainability: by training local residents to participate in the construction, it generated new skills, long-term employment, and a stronger sense of belonging. This combination of environmental care and community involvement ensures that the project is not only responsible in design, but also resilient in the way it contributes to the future of the city.
How many awards has Baffi Restaurant won to date?
Baffi Restaurant has received nine awards and honorable mentions, including the DNA Paris Awards, NY Architectural Design Awards, BLT Design Awards, ArchDaily Building of the Year, Architizer A+ Awards, Architecture Hunter Awards, Architecture MasterPrize, IDPA Japan Design Awards, and Loop Design Awards.
Baffi Restaurant, São Francisco De Paula, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil – Building Information
Design: Alencar – https://www.alencar.com.br/
Landscape architecture: Ja8 arquitetura viva
Project size: 743 sqm
Site size: 50000000 sqm
Completion date: 2022
Photos: Leonardo Finotti
Baffi Restaurant, Sao Francisco De Paula, Rio Grande Do Sul images / information received 150925
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