Suyab Space: A Pavilion of Natural Beauty and Modern Design

Bringing Sino and Modern Influences to the Market

The Suyab Space tearoom, designed by Jo Zhu of Suyab Design, is a unique and captivating addition to the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts campus. Inspired by the elegance of Sino pavilions and the transparency of modern greenhouses, this tearoom perfectly embodies the brand's design philosophy of natural, essential, modest, and durable beauty.

The tearoom, located within the courtyard of the original campus canteen, seamlessly blends the visual elements of a pavilion with the structural integrity of a glass greenhouse. The wooden frame within the glass house outlines the pavilion's shape, while the glass ceiling, adorned with joists, filters and softens the natural light, creating an atmosphere of grace and tranquility.

Surrounded by the artificial landscape of the courtyard, the tearoom offers a seamless connection to nature through its large windows. Inside, the space is adorned with solid wood tea tables, wardrobes, and chairs, all designed by Suyab. The addition of plants further enhances the ambiance, vividly conveying the company's design philosophy.

The construction of the tearoom utilized recycled wooden beams for the building's frame, showcasing Suyab's commitment to sustainability. The furniture, crafted from South American rosewood, copper, granite, and cattle leather, exudes a sense of luxury and sophistication. Soft loading elements such as china, copper wares, and plants complete the space, creating a harmonious blend of materials and textures.

Measuring 6 meters in length, 4 meters in width, and 3.8 meters in height, the tearoom provides ample space for guests to enjoy their leisure time while savoring a cup of tea. The natural atmosphere and graceful design create a serene environment that fosters relaxation and contemplation.

The Suyab Space tearoom is not only a testament to the brand's design prowess but also a commercial showcase of their ideology. The fusion of oriental pavilion and modern glass greenhouse concepts creates a space that is both visually stunning and functionally engaging.

Overcoming the challenges of sourcing rare recycled wooden beams, the Suyab team scoured markets and construction sites to obtain enough material for the tearoom's construction. Careful selection of beams with similar diameters minimized the need for excessive cutting, preserving the vintage aesthetic of the recycled wood.

Designed and constructed over a period of 6 months, with an additional 2 months for product and soft-loading entry, the tearoom is a testament to the dedication and creativity of the Suyab team. The result is a space that seamlessly integrates with its surroundings, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience.

Winner of the Bronze A' Design Award in 2017 for Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design, the Suyab Space tearoom has been recognized for its outstanding creativity and ingenuity. Incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology, this design contributes to quality of life improvements, making the world a better place.

With its captivating design and commitment to sustainability, the Suyab Space tearoom stands as a testament to the power of art, architecture, and design to create spaces that inspire and delight.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Jo Zhu
Image Credits: Wang Zao-Hui
Project Team Members: Jo Zhu (Designer) and Suyab Faculties
Project Name: Suyab Space Tearoom
Project Client: Jo Zhu


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