This tea ceremony room, named "HaianHaian," was commissioned by a globally acclaimed barista. Its conception mirrors Rikyu's Taian, born of bricolage, emphasizing natural and instinctive design principles. Here, the design's essence is guided by the intrinsic character of materials rather than strict rationality. This approach integrates spontaneous ideas followed by reflective analysis, harmonizing intuitive leaps with systematic thinking.
Rather than converting an existing space, the design introduces a standalone Hojo hermitage, strategically placing a waiting area, flooring, preparation zone, and entrance at the intersections of the hermitage and surrounding walls. This layout effectively morphs the area into a semblance of a Japanese garden. For the structure, high-pressure wood-cement boards were chosen, balancing concerns of fire safety, cost, and workability.
To adapt to the spatial constraints, the hermitage's corners were sculpted away, and hexagonal cement panels were strategically placed. These panels, joined at their tips, mimic the 'Aware' (aesthetic) of a tea kettle. Selective removal of panels creates an asymmetric pattern, doubling as windows to usher indirect light inside.
The panels, painted black to resemble ironware, coupled with their three-dimensional beveling, foster a sense of spaciousness akin to a waiting room's floor. As the cement board evolved, it took on the appearance of "Takekomai," a bamboo-like pattern. A finishing touch of iron and wood powder coatings was applied, emulating the texture of a clay wall.
This design journey, embracing serendipitous discoveries and inspired by the historic "Tai-an," culminates in the naming of "Hai-an." It's a tribute to the original's spirit, embodying a contemporary interpretation of traditional aesthetics and functionality in tea ceremony architecture.
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