Xiyuan Teahouse Dealbhadh Taobh a-staigh Taigh-tì by Cao Sun

Xiyuan Teahouse Dealbhadh Taobh a-staigh Taigh-tì by Cao Sun is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Duais Airgid A' Design Award in Dealbhadh Àiteachan Taobh a-staigh agus Taisbeanaidh Competition Category.

AirgeadTaobh a-staigh· 2026

Xiyuan Teahouse Dealbhadh Taobh a-staigh Taigh-tì

by Cao Sun

Client: Nova Space Design

Duais Airgid A' Design Award Winner in Taobh a-staigh Category

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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

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The Design

About Xiyuan Teahouse Dealbhadh Taobh a-staigh Taigh-tì

'S e taigh-tì a th' ann an Taigh-tì Xiyuan a tha suidhichte ri taobh Loch an Iar ann an Hangzhou, Sìona. Anns an rùm 1500 meatair ceàrnagach tha àrd-ùrlar tì meadhanach àrdaichte, ochd seòmraichean prìobhaideach, staidhre umha snaidhte le rèilichean fiodh-uaine air an leagail a-steach, agus feart uisge a tha air fhilleadh a-steach don chruth-tìre. Tha fiodh-chòmhdaichean làmh-dhèanta agus ballachan plàstair de dhathan aotrom air an cleachdadh air feadh an àite. Tha uinneagan le frèamaichean sònraichte a' fosgladh seallaidhean a dh'ionnsaigh an locha. Tha slighe cuairteachaidh lùbach a' treòrachadh aoighean gu slaodach tro na seòmraichean. Tha an dealbhadh ag ath-mhìneachadh bòidhchead traidiseanta an Ear airson suidheachadh aoigheachd ùr-nodha.

The Recognition

About the Duais Airgid A' Design Award

Tha Xiyuan Teahouse Dealbhadh Taobh a-staigh Taigh-tì air Duais Airgid A' Design Award a bhuannachadh, aithneachadh gu math urramach a bheirear do dhealbhaidhean den chiad ìre, àlainn agus drùidhteach. Tha buannaichean Airgid nan obraichean anabarrach boillsgeach agus gu math cruthachail a nochdas sàr-eòlas, tàlant agus geurchuis an luchd-dealbhaidh. Thathar an dùil gum bi Xiyuan Teahouse Dealbhadh Taobh a-staigh Taigh-tì na obair mhìorbhaileach, na sàr-eisimpleir a tha gu sònraichte proifeiseanta agus gu domhainn ùr-ghnàthach. Tha an dealbhadh seo a bhuannaich Duais Airgid A' Design Award na innleachd glè fhaicsinneach, ion-mholta a bhrosnaicheas crìochan ealain, saidheans, dealbhaidh agus teicneolais. Tha Xiyuan Teahouse Dealbhadh Taobh a-staigh Taigh-tì na chruthachadh air a bheil mòran eud, a dhùisgeas miannan, a bheir faireachdainnean math agus a thogas iongnadh is miorbhail.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: This project reinterprets Oriental aesthetics through modern spatial language, blending symbolic elements, nature inspired materials, and layered spatial planning. Located by West Lake, it integrates landscape, function, and narrative to provide guests with a serene, immersive cultural experience. Its sculptural staircase, window-framed views, and poetic detailing create a unique sense of ritual and emotional resonance.
Dimensions & Packaging: Total built area: 1500 square meters. Key spatial components include an elevated central tea platform, eight distinctive private rooms, a sculptural bronze staircase, and a landscape integrated water feature. Window systems are custom framed to optimize views and natural lighting. Materials are chosen to enhance symbolic and sensory experience.
Tags: Oriental Aesthetics, West Lake, Tea Culture, Immersive Space, Cultural Memory, Landscape Integration, Bronze Staircase, Handcrafted Materials, Poetic Space, Spiritual Retreat
Production Technology: The teahouse features handcrafted wood veneers, bronze clad spiral stairs with inlaid greenwood railings, artisanal light toned plaster walls, and custom crystal acrylic tea sculptures. Spatial planning follows a loop circulation strategy, optimizing lake views and operational efficiency while reinforcing the natural and cultural dialogue of the interior.
Design Challenge: The core challenge lay in reinterpreting traditional Eastern aesthetics in a modern hospitality context without resorting to pastiche. Balancing symbolic depth with operational needs, integrating natural and built landscapes, and addressing tourist engagement within a historically significant setting required careful design logic and cultural sensitivity.
Research: Design research began with site analysis and historical study of Wang Yutai Tea House and literati traditions. Methodology included archival review, interviews, and spatial simulations. Participants included hotel operators, historians, and tea masters. Insights informed symbolic design, spatial zoning, and sensory elements. Results strengthened cultural resonance and guest engagement.
Inspiration: The design was inspired by the century old heritage of the Wang Yutai Tea House and the refined literati lifestyle of West Lake's past. From the "West Lake Moon Gatherings" to the tranquil tea rituals, the project revives cultural memories through spatial storytelling, aiming to reconnect modern life with traditional Eastern ideals of beauty, balance, and contemplation.
Project Duration: The project started in January 2024 in Hangzhou, China and finished in October 2024.
Operation Flow: The design encourages slow paced, reflective engagement. Visitors enter through a symbolic gateway and follow a circular path that reveals lake views, private rooms, and shared tea platforms. Seating and height variations allow layered interaction with the scenery. The flow fosters both intimacy and openness, enhancing spiritual and sensory experiences.
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Zhang jianing, Xiyuan Teahouse, 2024.
Image #1: Photographer Zhang jianing, Xiyuan Teahouse, 2024.
Image #1: Photographer Zhang jianing, Xiyuan Teahouse, 2024.
Image #1: Photographer Zhang jianing, Xiyuan Teahouse, 2024.
Image #1: Photographer Zhang jianing, Xiyuan Teahouse, 2024.