‘tao hua yuan’ is a contemporary structure employing vernacular architecture atop a hill and carved into a young forest, located in a hot spring resort area outside of nanjing, china. used as a tea house to promote the chinese culture of tea drinking, while being innovative, it seeks to meet the demands of modern life. the building is divided into a tea lounge, a calligraphy room, and a restaurant.

CL3's tea house in china uses wood, bamboo and marble to reflect on the zen aesthetic
all images © nirut benjabanpot

 

 

the hong kong based firm CL3 architects has utilized a quite simple style and zen aesthetic to bring a tranquil and free space to the bustling city. ‘tao hua yuan‘ is in a clear outline of single rectangles, tucked away in the forest just like a masterpiece of nature. while the marble is strong and steady, the glass is clear and pure, thus the facade harmoniously combines hardness and softness, as well as virtual and real, giving the house a contemporary look.

CL3's tea house in china uses wood, bamboo and marble to reflect on the zen aesthetic
‘tao hua yuan‘ is in a clear outline of single rectangles, tucked away in the forest just like a masterpiece of nature

 

 

the interior becomes the extension of the architecture — simple materials such as wood, bamboo and marble are used together with concise lines to create a zen tranquility. the overall palette remains simple and soft, incorporating traditional elements like scholar rocks, lanterns, paintings and works of art to create a tranquil environment that is one with nature. scholar rocks are massive rocks recovered from the river beds with naturally eroded holes and wrinkles. six massive rocks sit on a platform of black mirror simulating water reflection. this serves as a piece of art installation as well as dividing the tea house into semi-private zones. the verticality of the young forest is reinforced by the vertical lines in the interior design in the background of black glass.

CL3's tea house in china uses wood, bamboo and marble to reflect on the zen aesthetic
the interior becomes the extension of the architecture; simple materials are used together to create a zen tranquility

 

 

custom-designed furniture and lighting along with interior hard decoration reflect the importance of balance in chinese style. the low-rise furniture which prevailed in ancient times when people tended to ‘sit on the floor’, as well as modern high-type furniture are used in the tea house. they are mainly made of wood and are in simple colors, containing both classical charm and fresh ideas, giving a contemporary interpretation to the chinese cultural heritage.

CL3's tea house in china uses wood, bamboo and marble to reflect on the zen aesthetic
custom-designed furniture and lighting with interior decoration reflect the importance of balance in chinese style

CL3's tea house in china uses wood, bamboo and marble to reflect on the zen aesthetic
CL3’s building is divided into a tea lounge, a calligraphy room, and a restaurant

CL3's tea house in china uses wood, bamboo and marble to reflect on the zen aesthetic
used as a tea house to promote the chinese culture of tea drinking, it seeks to meet the demands of modern life

CL3's tea house in china uses wood, bamboo and marble to reflect on the zen aesthetic
six massive rocks sit on a platform of black mirror simulating water reflection

CL3's tea house in china uses wood, bamboo and marble to reflect on the zen aesthetic
CL3 has utilized a quite simple style and zen aesthetic to bring a tranquil and free space to the bustling city

CL3's tea house in china uses wood, bamboo and marble to reflect on the zen aesthetic
the low-rise furniture which prevailed in ancient times when people tended to ‘sit on the floor’

CL3's tea house in china uses wood, bamboo and marble to reflect on the zen aesthetic
naturally eroded rocks serve as a piece of art installation as well as dividing the tea house into semi-private zones

CL3's tea house in china uses wood, bamboo and marble to reflect on the zen aesthetic
modern high-type furniture are used in the tea house

CL3's tea house in china uses wood, bamboo and marble to reflect on the zen aesthetic
mainly made of wood and in simple colors, giving a contemporary interpretation to the chinese cultural heritage

 

 

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: apostolos costarangos | designboom