When tasked with the complete redesign of Teemaa’s teahouse and branding interior, Yatofu Creatives took it as an opportunity to delve into the stories embedded in the craft of tea-making and create a brand and space which allows people from all walks of life to experience and explore the culture of tea.
In defining the concept of Teemaa’s branding and interior to reflect their values of honesty, transparency, and quality; Yatofu wanted to reference both the rawness of tea as an ingredient, as well as reflect the sophistication and complexity of the tea through modern and refined lenses. A grounded palette of honest and textural materials was extracted from those used in the process of tea-making itself, such as weathered steel, textured bricks, and wooden surfaces.
These were reinterpreted into a contemporary space through the use of modern forms, with a focus on handmade qualities to create a visual dialogue that speaks to the markings of time and craftsmanship. Environmental responsibility was prioritized in designing the space, leading to many definitive material and production decisions. In the sourcing and production process, one of the main goals was to eliminate an excess of off-cuts or leftover materials.
In the retail section of the teahouse, large wooden columns that serve as support for the wall shelves are hand-crafted with live-edged seams running down the outer faces, creating both a layer of nuanced detail as well as allowing maximum usage of the planks. Yatofu Creatives wanted to embed an element of playfulness and approachability into the brand itself. In combining the refreshing brand visuals with the raw yet refined interior, Teemaa teahouse offers its customers a warm and approachable interpretation of contemporary tea culture for the Nordic lifestyle.