Tea and symmetry: traditional Japanese architecture inspires Greek teahouse
![Tea and symmetry: traditional Japanese architecture inspires Greek teahouse](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/efc6p5YZyUkhJ6W23Env7c-415-80.jpg)
Affluent Athenian shopping district Kolonaki may have suffered its own downturn during the Greek financial crisis, but it has begun showing signs of a defiant cultural renaissance, with a number of new cafes, boutiques and creative institutions springing up on its steep streets.
One prime example, on Alexandrou Soutsou, is To Tsai, a small but perfectly formed teahouse that recently underwent an interior overhaul by architectural firm Georges Batzios. The calm, minimalist space, inspired by traditional Japanese tea ceremony architecture, features pale wooden furnishings, including a tea island, and a laminated timber framework, backlit to create shadows and lines.
'The ornament-free minimalistic details of the interior spaces, combined with the wonderful odour palette of the teas and the soft music, are creating that 'Zen' universe (where) the artsy residents and tourists can retire (while within) this noisy part of the city,' says Batzios.
The teahouse has two distinct spaces: a serene lounge, perfect for escaping the hubbub of the city and a retail space, stocking around 500 varieties of tea.
A constant source of relaxation and renewal for many of us, tea, as Batzios puts it, 'works like a remedy'.
To Tsai features pale wooden accents and soft backlighting – the perfect place to relax and unwind with a cup of tea
The Japanese-inspired location stocks around 500 flavours of tea
A tea island and a laminated timber framework complete the calming, minimalistic space
With two different areas – a lounge for escaping the craze of the city and a retail space offering tea products for purchase – there's something for everyone
To Tsai leads the way as the area begins to see an increase in cafe, boutique and creative outlet start-ups
ADDRESS
Al. Soutsou 19, Athina 106 71, Greece
Wallpaper* Newsletter + Free Download
For a free digital copy of August Wallpaper*, celebrating Creative America, sign up today to receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories
-
Feel at home at Auberge, Château La Coste's new inn for culture lovers
Auberge La Coste sits at the heart of the art-filled estate, minutes away from the joyful town of Aix-en-Provence
By Harriet Thorpe Published
-
This Nova Lima apartment is a Brazilian family oasis with striking Minas Gerais views
A Nova Lima apartment designed by Jacobsen Arquitetura celebrates its long, natural Minas Gerais vistas
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Commune’s sustainable personal care products look ‘quite unlike anything else’
Commune’s Somerset-made products stand out in the sustainable skincare crowd. Madeleine Rothery speaks with the brand’s co-founders Kate Neal and Rémi Paringaux
By Madeleine Rothery Published