BASAO Tea Lounge

Entering the new BASAO Tea Lounge in Xiamen, China, one senses an instant change in pace, when the bustling cityscape is replaced by a calming acoustic. As natural light filters through from the outside and highlights the subtle colors and rich textures of the carefully selected materials, the space feels warm and welcoming. Just like the many scents of tea are vibrant and natural, so are the materials that make up the store, and combined with subtle storytelling as well as a curated architectural framing, the space feels rooted in its local surroundings. Merging not only tradition and contemporaneity, but also retail, café, and rituals of ancient tea ceremonies, the new tea store encapsulates the entire encounter and experience of BASAO tea — honoring quality of life in the simple things, pure and meaningful daily amenities. Taking inspiration from the writings of Baisao, a Japanese monk of the Ōbaku School of Zen Buddhism who became famous for traveling around Kyoto selling tea (and from whom BASAO took their name), the architects created a multifunctional tea store in the streets of Xiamen. With room for quiet contemplation, the space acts as an antidote to the fast-paced on-the-go culture, immersing visitors in the calming sounds of tea being prepared, poured, and enjoyed. Carefully considering the sense of touch, the experience becomes an interplay of textures and temperatures, with contrasting polished and raw surfaces. The differing textures highlight distinctive features—contrast between rough and solid or soft and hard becomes more apparent when placed in dialogue. Natural materials express tea’s purity and its relationship to nature. The inherent colors and tactile sensations of terracotta tiles, Chinese stone, oak wood, metals, and fabrics bring authenticity unmatched by synthetic materials. Curated shelves and podiums display cups, canisters, and handmade objects, each accompanied by notes on their making and use. Lighting highlights textures and colors, inviting visitors to touch and explore. Layered through both light and architectural elements, the space offers varying levels of privacy and moments of surprise. Visitors can settle into built-in cushioned sofas, reclined chairs with armrests, or gather around the grand stone counter to observe daily tea ceremonies. Prioritizing personal comfort as a prerequisite for presence and ease, the space allows visitors to fully engage in the “spirit of the tea.” The use of local, natural materials ensures every BASAO store becomes uniquely rooted in place. Combined with subtle storytelling of local features, each store remains local—even when global.