Teawood - Aberdeen: A Unique Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

Designer Vincent Chi-wai Chiang's Unique Take on a Taiwanese Cafe & Restaurant

Inspired by the quaint charm of Aberdeen's fishing village, Vincent Chi-wai Chiang designs Teawood - Aberdeen, a Taiwanese cafe and restaurant that blends traditional elements with contemporary aesthetics. This unique design concept, dubbed "Happy Fishermen," has earned the Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2017.

Located in the heart of Aberdeen, a place renowned for its picturesque fishing village, Teawood - Aberdeen is a testament to the creative genius of Vincent Chi-wai Chiang. Drawing inspiration from the local environment and its unique characteristics, Chiang has successfully incorporated elements such as the gold and blue water reflections, the shimmering scales of fish at sunrise and sunset, and the rustic charm of wooden paddles and fishing tools into the design of the restaurant.

Unlike many franchises, each Teawood store has its own unique identity that echoes the brand's values while telling a unique story. The Aberdeen location, with its "Happy Fishermen" design concept, pays homage to the area's historical background as a famous fishing village in Hong Kong. The signature pattern of fishing tools and the symbolic color of Hong Kong's fishing village are cleverly integrated into a contemporary interior design.

The realization of this design concept involved the innovative use of fishing tools in furniture design and the use of bamboo, hemp rope, and wood as core materials. Blue and yellow semi-circle plates on the wall mimic the waves of the sea, while the curved shield imitates the living room on a boat. The restaurant also features specially designed lights, including a bamboo basket design, an electric motor design, and a fishing net design.

The restaurant, which can serve over 130 customers at one time, has a well-planned layout that allows the kitchen and the beverage corner to operate independently without interruption. A fishing boat hanging upside down above the beverage corner serves as an eye-catching feature, leading customers into the main dining area. Despite its large dining area, the restaurant's entrance is unobtrusive, with an interesting booth seat near the entrance designed to pique the curiosity of passersby.

The design of Teawood - Aberdeen is a result of extensive research on the historical background of Aberdeen and visits to the fishermen living on boats. The design, which is a lively and modern interpretation of fishing and floating village themes, perfectly complements the location and meets the expectations of visitors. The design also faced the challenge of appealing to the brand's target audience of youngsters and young professionals without leaning too heavily on historical and traditional elements. This was achieved by using interesting light designs and wall decorations and a refreshing color palette.

Teawood - Aberdeen is a shining example of how a well-thought-out design concept can transform a space into a unique dining experience. The design, which beautifully marries tradition with modernity, is a testament to the creativity and innovation of its designer, Vincent Chi-wai Chiang.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Vincent Chi-Wai Chiang
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Vincent Chi-wai Chiang, In Cube Design Limited, 2016. Image #2: Photographer Vincent Chi-wai Chiang, In Cube Design Limited, 2016. Image #3: Photographer Vincent Chi-wai Chiang, In Cube Design Limited, 2016. Image #4: Photographer Vincent Chi-wai Chiang, In Cube Design Limited, 2016. Image #5: Photographer Vincent Chi-wai Chiang, In Cube Design Limited, 2016.
Project Team Members: Kevin Ho-pan Lau Timmy Ting-hong Lo
Project Name: Teawood - Aberdeen
Project Client: Vincent Chi-Wai Chiang


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