Taking Tea in London

TOTO’s exhibition, Technology Meets Tradition, continues throughout summer months in the London showroom where both a Zen garden and Japanese Tea house coexist alongside the latest bathroom innovation and technology from TOTO. Visit and be inspired!

Embracing Tradition - An Architect's Take on the Japanese Tea House

In the heart of London’s Clerkenwell, a new architectural gem has emerged at the UK headquarters of TOTO, one that captures the essence of both modern and ancient worlds. Renowned architects Squire & Partners have masterfully re-imagined and constructed a Japanese tea house in the gallery space of the showroom. The Tea House not only honours the rich cultural heritage of Japan but also integrates some intriguingly different materials. Together, this creates an oasis of calm that stands as testament to the harmonious blending of past and present.

Design Elements - A Modern Interpretation and Minimal Aesthetics

The team at Squire & Partners vision was clear: to create a space that resonates with visitors with all the tranquility of a traditional Japanese tea house whilst introducing elements of modern design. Japanese tea houses, known as chashitsu, embody the essence of tranquillity and harmony within traditional Japanese culture. These serene spaces are meticulously designed to facilitate the practice of the tea ceremony, or chanoyu, a highly ritualised form of hospitality and aesthetic appreciation. The ancient practice of tea, first performed by warriors and monks in Kyoto in the sixteenth century, and was an act that encouraged humility and simplicity.

The TOTO Tea house is a contemporary take on these traditional Japanese architectural spaces – which encourage bonding between a host and guest in an atmosphere distinct from the fast pace of life, and are characterised by minimalist aesthetics, tatami mat flooring, sliding paper doors (shoji), and natural materials such as wood and bamboo.

Squire & Partners has reimagined a modern version of this much revered structure using specialist materials from Kyoto-based CIPANGO’s collection. Constructed from a reusable and versatile scaffold system, semi-transparent woven Harigane wire mesh screens by Design-tochi are hung within the frame to form its walls. The screens feature a bespoke pattern inspired by the Seigaiha wave – an ancestral Japanese motif which first appeared in the 6^th century. These infinitely rolling waves symbolise eternal happiness and a peaceful life.

Nature’s Integration

A key element in Japanese architecture is the harmonious relationship with nature. The modern tea house is adjacent to a meticulously designed Zen garden (see earlier article), featuring plants and carefully placed stones, all symbolising growth and resilience.

Enhancing the Experience

A Sanctuary for All

This modern Japanese tea house is more than just a structure; it is a sanctuary that invites reflection, connection, and tranquility. It stands as a symbol of how tradition can be preserved and honoured while embracing the innovations of the present. Visitors leave with a sense of peace, carrying with them the timeless principles of mindfulness and appreciation for the beauty in simplicity.

Japanese bathrooms, which encompass hygiene and comfort, are known across the globe for engendering a sense of wellbeing and are frequently referred to as sanctuaries, something TOTO knows well and which they offer to clients through its ranges of tried and tested designs.

Technological Touches

In a world that often moves too quickly, this modern Japanese tea house offers a respite, a place where the old and new coexist in perfect harmony. It is a testament to the power of architecture to shape experiences, to honour the past while looking towards the future, and to create spaces that nurture and enhance wellbeing The architect’s creation at TOTO is a beautiful reminder that even in the most technological of settings, there is always room for the tranquility and grace of tradition.