Design studio Yatofu has refined the interiors of a teahouse in downtown Helsinki with elements of brick, oak and oxidised steel.
The Teemaa cafe, which serves traditional Chinese and Japanese teas without artificial additives, was renovated to reflect both the craft of the brewing process as well as the raw tactile quality of the tea leaves themselves.
Teas are displayed in Teemaa's retail space on shelves made of oxidised steel and oak
"A grounded palette of honest and textural materials was extracted from those used in the process of tea making," explained Yatofu.
"These were reinterpreted into a contemporary space through the use of modern forms, with a focus on handmade qualities to create a visual dialogue that speaks to the markings of time and craftsmanship." Oakwood was also used to make furnishings in the teahouse's seating area
Visitors enter the teahouse via a retail area, where packaged teas are displayed on oxidised steel shelves suspended between live edge columns of oakwood.
Thick-cut blocks of oak also form the counter at the centre of the room, supported by a base made from grooved bricks.
On the other side of the teahouse is a light-filled seating area where visitors can relax with their hot drinks.
Panels of oxidised steel form display shelving
Oak was used here again to craft a series of chairs, stools and tabletops, as well as a long bench seat.
Oxidised steel ledges set within a shallow wall niche showcase a selection of contempora...