Beijing Tea House by Kengo Kuma and associates

Kengo Kuma and associates has realized this small pavilion in Beijing. The building will work as a tea house.

The singular structure of the pavilion, realized with empty blocks of polyethylene by Kengo Kuma and associates, is a reinterpretation of the traditional masonry bricks, providing insulation while it allows the entry of light.

Description of the project by Kengo Kuma and associates

Kengo Kuma and associates renovated a Siheyuan-style building located exactly in front of the East Gate of the Forbidden Palace (at the heart of Beijing), using hollow blocks of polyethylene.

4 types of blocks were produced by rotational molding to be joined and stuck up, as the structure of the extended part. The main structure for the city of Beijing is masonry bricks. Blocks made of polyethylene are in this sense a modern version of masonry. It proves high performance in insulation and passes through light to create a gentle space of Zen, just as the paper did used for Siheyuan in the past.

Text.- Kengo Kuma and associates

CREDITS. TECHNICAL SHEET.-

Architects.- Kengo Kuma and associates.
Dates.- 2010-2014.12.
Tipology.- Tearoom, Club House (for membership only). Pavilion.
Area.- 250 sqm.
Location.- Beijing, China.

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Façade. Beijing Tea House by Kengo Kuma and associates. Photograph © Koji Fujii/Nacasa & Partners Inc.

Inside image. Beijing Tea House by Kengo Kuma and associates. Photograph © Koji Fujii/Nacasa & Partners Inc.

Inside view. Beijing Tea House by Kengo Kuma and associates. Photograph © Koji Fujii/Nacasa & Partners Inc.

Ground floor plan. Beijing Tea House by Kengo Kuma and associates. Photograph © Koji Fujii/Nacasa & Partners Inc.

Level 1 plan. Beijing Tea House by Kengo Kuma and associates. Photograph © Koji Fujii/Nacasa & Partners Inc.

Level 2 plan. Beijing Tea House by Kengo Kuma and associates. Photograph © Koji Fujii/Nacasa & Partners Inc.

Level roof plan. Beijing Tea House by Kengo Kuma and associates. Photograph © Koji Fujii/Nacasa & Partners Inc.

North elevation. Beijing Tea House by Kengo Kuma and associates. Photograph © Koji Fujii/Nacasa & Partners Inc.

Structure detail. Beijing Tea House by Kengo Kuma and associates. Photograph © Koji Fujii/Nacasa & Partners Inc.

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More information

Kengo Kuma. Kengo Kuma & Associates (KKAA)

Kengo Kuma was born in Yokohama (Kanagawa, Japan) in 1954. He studied architecture at the University of Tokyo, finishing his degree in 1979. In 1987, he opened the "Spatial Design Studio". In 1990 he founded "Kengo Kuma & Associates" and extended the study to Europe (Paris, France) in 2008. Since 1985 and until 2009, has taught as a visiting professor and holder at the universities of Columbia, Keio, Illinois and Tokyo.

Notable projects include Japan National Stadium (2019), V&A Dundee (2019), Odunpazari Modern Art Museum (2019), and The Suntory Museum of Art (2007).

Kengo Kuma proposes architecture that opens up new relationships between nature, technology, and human beings. His major publications include Zen Shigoto(The complete works, Daiwa S hobo)Ten Sen Men (“point, line, plane”, IwanamiShoten), Makeru Kenchiku (Architecture of Defeat, Iwanami Shoten), Shizen na Kenchiku(Natural Architecture, Iwanami Shinsho), Chii sana Kenchiku (Small Architecture, IwanamiShinsho) and many others.

Main Awards:

· 2011 The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's Art Encouragement Prize for "Yusuhara Wooden Bridge Museum."
· 2010 Mainichi Art Award for “Nezu Museum.”
· 2009 "Decoration Officier de L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres" (France).
· 2008 Energy Performance + Architecture Award (France). Bois Magazine International Wood Architecture Award (France).
· 2002 Spirit of Nature Wood Architecture Award (Finland).
· 2001 Togo Murano Award for “Nakagawa-machi Bato Hiroshige Museum.”
· 1997 Architectural Institute of Japan Award for “Noh Stage in the Forest”. First Place, AIA DuPONT Benedictus Award for “Water/Glass” (USA).