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"Tea Time" Tea House: Award-Winning Cultural Space Redefines Tea Rituals in Jianshui Ancient Town

"Tea Time," designed by Hang Chen, is a transformative tea house renovation project located on Yinghui Road in Jianshui Ancient Town, China. Completed in 2024, the project reimagines the traditional tea house experience by merging the poetic rhythm of tea rituals with contemporary spatial storytelling. Drawing inspiration from the timeless landscape of Jianshui, the design celebrates slowness, serenity, and the meditative qualities of tea drinking, offering visitors a sensory journey that unfolds with the passage of time.

The space distinguishes itself through its seamless integration of natural light, optimized airflow, and a harmonious blend of materials such as copper-toned facades, transparent glass, water-textured acrylic, and preserved elmwood. Six immersive tea experiences are thoughtfully organized to balance communal interaction and personal retreat, with open interfaces and a deep balcony connecting the tea house to the surrounding cityscape. The design's fluid spatial arrangement encourages both social engagement and tranquil reflection, embodying the evolving nature of tea culture.

Realized through a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technologies, "Tea Time" addresses the challenges of historic preservation and contemporary usability. Extensive research into tea rituals and environmental integration informed the project's approach, resulting in a space that is energy-efficient, adaptable, and deeply rooted in local heritage. The project's innovative solutions-such as light-diffusing materials and strategic ventilation-have set a new standard for cultural spaces, earning it the prestigious Bronze A' Design Award for 2025.

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