Nestled on Wurundjeri Country, this Tea House is more than just a home—it's a poetic dialogue between past and future, tradition and modernity, individual needs and family togetherness. Designed for a family of four with visiting grandparents, the project masterfully balances a sense of connection with the independence of a dual-living arrangement. With its own kitchen and utilities, the grandparents’ quarters could later evolve into a fully self-contained dwelling, reflecting a forward-thinking brief from the clients.
The design’s human-centred approach takes on the challenge of an elongated site. Instead of boxing the home into a single narrative, the architects embraced a conceptual breakdown, creating dynamic "leftover" spaces that feel anything but incidental. These outdoor nooks are crafted with care—some offering quiet retreat, others revealing glimpses of the street or sky. Timber battens restrict intrusive views, ensuring neighbourly privacy, while the open roof grants an unrestrained connection to the heavens above. Strategic punctures in the façade further frame moments of urban beauty, as if the house itself were curating your view.
Feng shui principles flow through every detail, harmonising the home's spatial energy. The front door aligns with a circular wall opening, directing chi through the spaces and fostering balance. This circular motif reappears throughout the design, in light fixtures, bespoke furniture, and even the rangehood, unifying the house with gentle, uninterrupted curves. Together, these elements craft an atmosphere of tranquillity that cocoons its residents in calmness—a modern sanctuary steeped in ancient wisdom.
The materiality deepens this narrative. On the ground floor, a robust brick façade offers a solid, grounded presence, contrasted by a lighter timber batten screen above. This conceptual "lantern" diffuses light, creating a mesmerising play of shadows indoors. Inside, a dramatic inversion unfolds: the heavy brick wall near the entrance unexpectedly amplifies the sense of outdoor connection. It’s a home that keeps revealing itself, one thoughtful moment at a time.
At its heart lies the tea room, situated at the front as a reimagined porch. Bathed in morning sunlight, it’s a serene space where the family gathers to honour the rituals of Chinese tea. This nod to oriental architecture is more than aesthetic—it's deeply personal, informed by the clients’ love for the architectural traditions of their heritage.
This Tea House doesn’t just serve its family; it celebrates them. It stitches together history, culture, and modern aspirations, creating a home that holds space for both the present and the possibilities of the future.
