Project Highlights
Building construction year: Between 1975 and 1978.
Zooco’s project and construction year: 2023
Area: Indoor: 570m2 Outdoor: 350m2
A Masterpiece by Award-Winning Zooco Architects
In a spectacular triumph, Zooco, the proud winner of the Architecture Masterprize 2023 in the “Small firm of multidisciplinary interior design” category, invites you to embark on a culinary journey at their latest masterpiece, the Cantabrian Maritime Museum restaurant.
Where Brutalism Meets the Ocean Breeze
Nestled on Severiano Ballesteros Street in the heart of Santander, Spain, this architectural marvel is not just a restaurant but an integral part of a larger complex, featuring an Oceanographic Center designed by Vicente Roig Forner and Ángel Hernández Morales between 1975 and 1978.
A Fusion of History and Modern Elegance
Originally composed of two square bodies connected by a canopy and adorned with a concrete structure, the restaurant’s interior unfolds across three floors around a central courtyard covered by a vault of paraboloid membranes. A 2003 renovation extended the west façade and terrace roof, blending modernity with the building’s initial concept.
Redefining Geometry and Transparency
Zooco’s vision involves a captivating addition on the second floor, offering a unique space for the restaurant and terrace. This new volume, characterized by a square morphology created with the addition of four triangles, not only rectifies the original building’s pathologies but also transforms its concrete paraboloids into a striking interior focal point. Treated as an artistic element, triangular wooden false ceilings elegantly frame this geometrical marvel.
Beyond the architectural brilliance, the restaurant’s exterior boasts a glass box design, emphasizing transparency and providing breathtaking views of the Bay of Santander. Enhanced by strategically placed textiles, the scenery unfolds dynamically, allowing patrons to feel the sea breeze and immerse themselves in the extraordinary landscape.
In conclusion, Restaurant MMC by Zooco transcends the ordinary, seamlessly blending brutalist architecture with panoramic views, making it a must-visit destination for culinary enthusiasts and architecture aficionados alike.
