![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3f67a21c1e41d2c90ca03464f9452d5eaa603ce165a9f77f27558fe6225f8ad0/TH-Render.jpg)
TEA HOUSE IN THE HIGHLANDS
Ritual Design / Material Exploration / ArchitectureLocation: Isle of Skye, United Kingdom
Status: Concept • 2016
Duration: 1 week
Inspired by the tradition of Japanese tea drinking, this humble retreat embodies the ritual of the tea ceremony in form, material and experience.
Overlooking a small stream and shrouded by early morning haze, the elements of the Isle of Skye provide a dramatic backdrop as pictured. The project explores the limits and intricacies of timber construction, with a strong emphasis on form and material life cycle.
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/5421b1f9107ed38c407cc7dcd8c40d0ccecc59b940ecac9598ce3ac3fbfd6322/Tea-1.jpg)
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1221d856266fe6b1538c4976271a448d7f7eb05e34b43289d3f87feffeaa986d/TH-Drawing.jpg)
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/97c6ed1c0458608980ec37237d2d3f32675c1ab551a18e3f0359d0995716a521/Tea-2.jpg)
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/e872b76fe396622e49886dc84df8c71cb6366f3e6850703b5dba6439eb7d851a/Tea-3.jpg)
![Exploded Axonometric Hand Drawing](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/87748852d16594f54b016507e5f8bce879919c4d5a367093e9d938e4caf4af78/TH-Axo.jpg)
Through
the reception, the transition/circulation space and culminating at the table at
which tea is enjoyed, one’s path represents the stripping away of the world
around them to achieve a singular focus on a moment out of time: a moment of
inner reflection and intimate social connection. This is also reflected in the
gradual change of rhythm and organicity of the building’s skin as the user
journeys through the spaces.