The project iO Japanese tea was to create a space for visitors to enjoy not only the products that are offered, but also a spot to get a sense on the traditional style for experiencing Japanese tea ceremony traditions in house. The aim was to create a heart for the space using natural material that would not overtake the existing space. I chose to use Douglas fir oiled in a soft green reflecting tea leaves. The intension for position placement of the constantly boiling iron pot, was intended to centrilize focus and attention to the heart of where tea begins - a pot of boiling water.

In Japan traditionally, the people will kneel or situate themselves on the floor with the teapot generally placed in a small square cut out in the floor. I chose to reflect this tradition with a different take on it. I decided to soften the square by making the teapot housing as a ‘dot’ in the middle of the counter for the teapot to rest in. Being circular in shape, this was contrast to sharp edges and what is common in Japan. Considering all lines, shapes and feel, the objective was to blend straight lines with rounded curves. Sensitive to joinery the counter corners have also been considered by rounding the intersections where the return of timbers meet at the 45 degree cut.

The Genno chair was customised in height to fufill the customers to situate higher in the sitting position, therefore when the client is serving tea they do not tower over their customers, as there can be feelings that can provoke people with certain body position’s. We wanted to make sure the experience felt comfortable, respectful and inline with the Japanese philosophies. I felt the result for a ceremonial experience was balanced for both client and customer.

The result for the room is well balanced and used for purchasing specialty tea and ceramics but most important to share the experience together, sitting calmly in a space to drink tradition Japanese tea with furniture that compliments the surroundings whilst fulfilling the intension.