takashi okuno and associates revives ceremonial traditions in compact teahouse in japan

takashi okuno and associates designed a minimal and raw, yet elegant and sophisticated teahouse in the town of tadotsu, japan. the compact project was built out of a desire to pass along the traditions of the japanese culture to younger generations. the relaxing space aims to inspire peace to any guest welcome into the house.

takashi okuno and associates believes that a space designed for host and guest alone has a heightening effect on the senses, making people aware of the slightest interplays of light and sound. the house is meant to feel like a representation of the world’s changes in condensed form. the architects explain how ‘great masters of the old tea ceremony could find the whole universe within this minimal space.’

the material palette of the tea house include locally-sourced earth, timber, bamboo and stone. the natural materials also bring nature into the space in subtle yet powerful ways. the floors are covered in tatami mats and the square windows asymmetrically frame different parts of the  exterior garden. the designers hope that ‘someday when it has finished serving its purpose, the structure will return to the earth.’

project info:

lead architects: takashi okuno and associates

project location: kagawa,japan

completion year: 2019

total floor area: 32.47 m2

photo credits: shigeo ogawa

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: cristina gomez | designboom