Project overview:The project is a 450‑square‑foot take‑out teashop where two young owners set out to create a laboratory‑like space to experiment with and serve modern teas infused with Chinese influences. Given the compact footprint, the layout was meticulously organized to maintain an efficient flow for both tea‑making and testing. Equally important was the articulation of the main service area, where the preparation process becomes a focal point for customers. A dedicated back‑of‑house section conceals tall equipment and the messier aspects of drink preparation, allowing the main hall to remain clean and presentable. The hall is organized into four zones—welcome, waiting, pick‑up, and service—each defined by distinct ceiling heights.
The existing space had a relatively tall ceiling—15 feet to the bottom of the floor deck above—but the plenum was filled with utility and sprinkler lines serving 32 residential units above, making it difficult to create a continuous tall space. In the welcome, waiting, and pick‑up zones, the tallest clearances between the utility lines were identified, and angled ceilings were inserted to emphasize these pockets of height.
The material palette was developed for both ease of maintenance and alignment with the shop’s experimental, laboratory‑like aesthetic. Materials were also selected for future recyclability, acknowledging the relatively short life cycle of retail spaces. Aluminum plates and mirrored stainless steel were prioritized for their durability, high recycled content, and full recyclability at end‑of‑life.
Project location: Boston, Massachusetts
Firm name:FISH DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE LLC
Completion: 2021
Jury comments:This Teahouse in a large multifamily building makes great use of space, especially the ceiling plane approach that works with existing services. Excellent detailing throughout, as everything is distinguished and carefully resolved.
Images/Photographers:Ryan Maheu; Myoungkeun Kim General Contractor:SK Construction Project or Construction Manager:Sajid Lateef Mechanical:Zade Associates Electrical:Zade Associates Plumbing:Zade Associates Lighting:Reflex Lighting
