Restaurant Bora-bora
Prize(s):
WINNER 2026 INTERIOR DESIGN / Sustainable Interior Design
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Vignon Avocevou
Architecture Firm:Ateliers Vignon et Arts
Interior Designer:Vignon AVOCEVOU
Lighting Design:Vignon AVOCEVOU
Client Name:Mme Nina KOUTHON
Photo Credit:Vignon AVOCEVOU
Project Location:Togbin plage, Cotonou
Design Status:In Progress
Project Description:
The BORA BORA restaurant is an economic project that respects ecological and technical standards while remaining original, beautiful, durable, easy-to-maintain, cost-effective, reliable and that integrates into its surroundings while standing out for its beauty and functionality. It will be a carefully designed, attractive, calm or festive space according to need. It will positively and productively impact its physical, energetic and organic environment. It includes three areas: • Technical area • Covered dining area (First floor) • Sunbed area, huts and playground area Technical area This houses the restaurant's backstage. Functioning like its lung, its includes : the professionnal kitchen adhering to proper workflow standards, the dishwashing area, the delivery dock, the storage, the changing rooms and the manager's office. Covered dining area Includes the dining spaces on the ground floor and first floor, the bar and the barbecue area. Sunbed area, huts and playground area This area includes the observation deck facing the Atlantic ocean, which will be equipped with deck chairs under pergolas, the area of huts facing the sunset and the playgroung area.
The BORA BORA restaurant is an economic project that respects ecological and technical standards while remaining original, beautiful, durable, easy-to-maintain, cost-effective, reliable and that integrates into its surroundings while standing out for its beauty and functionality. It will be a carefully designed, attractive, calm or festive space according to need. It will positively and productively impact its physical, energetic and organic environment. It includes three areas: • Technical area • Covered dining area (First floor) • Sunbed area, huts and playground area Technical area This houses the restaurant's backstage. Functioning like its lung, its includes : the professionnal kitchen adhering to proper workflow standards, the dishwashing area, the delivery dock, the storage, the changing rooms and the manager's office. Covered dining area Includes the dining spaces on the ground floor and first floor, the bar and the barbecue area. Sunbed area, huts and playground area This area includes the observation deck facing the Atlantic ocean, which will be equipped with deck chairs under pergolas, the area of huts facing the sunset and the playgroung area.
Project Innovation / Specification:
The use and refinement of local ancestral construction techniques, the predominant use of locally sourced materials treated and shaped on-site to reduce processing and project execution costs as well as the carbon footprint. The building is oriented to maximize natural ventilation, sunlight, and eliminate the need for air conditioning while taking advantage of the sunset to the west. Emphasis is placed on local materials and recycled materials such as wood, tables, containers repurposed as table lamps, and furniture. The lighting system operates entirely on solar energy. The interior design will require collaboration with local artisans, artists, and manufacturers to create a space that reflects the desired cultural identity and offers a memorable customer experience in an architectural setting of relaxation and fulfillment. The construction of the restaurant will serve as a case study.
The use and refinement of local ancestral construction techniques, the predominant use of locally sourced materials treated and shaped on-site to reduce processing and project execution costs as well as the carbon footprint. The building is oriented to maximize natural ventilation, sunlight, and eliminate the need for air conditioning while taking advantage of the sunset to the west. Emphasis is placed on local materials and recycled materials such as wood, tables, containers repurposed as table lamps, and furniture. The lighting system operates entirely on solar energy. The interior design will require collaboration with local artisans, artists, and manufacturers to create a space that reflects the desired cultural identity and offers a memorable customer experience in an architectural setting of relaxation and fulfillment. The construction of the restaurant will serve as a case study.
Project Sustainability Approach:
Enhancement of traditional skills by involving local artisans in construction and decoration, transmitting and improving local and ancestral techniques. Promotion and evolution of cultural identity: integration of symbols, patterns, and materials that reflect local culture. The restaurant can serve as an educational showcase on eco-construction, raising awareness among clients and residents about sustainable practices. Promotion of local materials.
Enhancement of traditional skills by involving local artisans in construction and decoration, transmitting and improving local and ancestral techniques. Promotion and evolution of cultural identity: integration of symbols, patterns, and materials that reflect local culture. The restaurant can serve as an educational showcase on eco-construction, raising awareness among clients and residents about sustainable practices. Promotion of local materials.
Local and Regional Impacts of the Project:
Bora-Bora offers an eco-friendly and cost-effective sustainable design using local techniques and materials suited to the climate and needs, while supporting local artisans, producers, and businesses through the use of wood, earth, stone, and plant fibers for roofing and other local products. This strengthens short supply chains and creates direct and indirect employment opportunities, all while reducing the carbon footprint, valuing traditional skills, and incorporating local symbols into the architecture. The project becomes a replicable model that encourages the adoption of eco-materials and could actively contribute to the development of a stable demand for bio-based materials, which would help structure and professionalize regional sectors and revitalize tourism.
Bora-Bora offers an eco-friendly and cost-effective sustainable design using local techniques and materials suited to the climate and needs, while supporting local artisans, producers, and businesses through the use of wood, earth, stone, and plant fibers for roofing and other local products. This strengthens short supply chains and creates direct and indirect employment opportunities, all while reducing the carbon footprint, valuing traditional skills, and incorporating local symbols into the architecture. The project becomes a replicable model that encourages the adoption of eco-materials and could actively contribute to the development of a stable demand for bio-based materials, which would help structure and professionalize regional sectors and revitalize tourism.
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Vignon Avocevou
