- Interior
Do you prefer drinking tea to coffee? Then the new BASAO Tea Lounge in Xiamen, China is for you. Enjoy delicious tea flavours in the tantalising design by Danish Norm architects' studio and be surprised by new, deep flavours. Are you ready to be immersed in Chinese tea culture in serene surroundings?
With 15 years of international experience under their belt, Norm architects shows very clearly that they love a challenge. Each project by the architecture studio assumes a minimalist design while striving for the larger purpose of a concept. In other words, the collective of architects always looks for the essence of a project and asks themselves the key question: 'what is this really about?'. Their ultimate goal is to use their designs to enrich the human experience in every possible way. And they succeed with flying colours when you take a look at their new design for the BASAO Tea Lounge in Xiamen. When creating the tea bar, the studio first looked at the core of BASAO's story - tea. The drink helps sharpen thoughts and invigorates the human body, allowing us to live with a clear mind. 
The interior reflects the warmth brought by different tea flavours
Naturally, the interior should perfectly reflect the warmth that different tea aromas bring. The architects succeeded in this by taking the sense of touch into account and transforming the entire interior into a beautiful interplay of different textures. Contrasting polished surfaces alternate effortlessly with rough surfaces. The choice of colours and materials also plays a crucial role in the overall experience. To stay true to the natural origins of tea, the entire interior is finished in natural materials: terracotta tiles alternate Chinese stone with oak elements. The fabric textures of the seats illuminate the whole. The importance of natural light in tea ceremonies has also been considered, as such light encompasses the essence of our well-being. 
Each tea variety is served for a different occasion in China, which is why the entire lounge was also composed of different zones. The multi-functionality of the shop, for instance, is highlighted by the quiet seating areas and the zones where beautiful tea cups and varieties are displayed on curated shelves. At the counter, the heart of the bar, you can discover BASAO tea in many ways: the warmth of the cup, the sound of porcelain on the ceramic surface, the smell of tea just being poured and, of course, the delicious, endless flavours. In short, the new BASAO Tea Lounge offers not only tea and a beautiful minimalist interior, but also a unique experience that focuses on tranquillity and letting go of the mundane. 
Photography by Jonathan Leijonhufvud