Lim + Lu's Artist's Teahouse Brews Up the True Spirit of Tea

Lim + Lu revives tea's timeless essence in a serene, art-infused oasis.

Tea has long served as an elixir of repose, introspection, and communion. Now, Hong Kong-based design firm Lim + Lu distills this ancient ritual into the Artist's Teahouse – the firm’s latest work in a quaint village in Foshan – as meditative as the brew it celebrates.

Commissioned by the Chinese artist Wenzhi Zhang, this 2,000-square-foot retreat adjoins her studio and is meant as a welcoming hangout for visitors and art aficionados alike.

Eschewing conventional layouts, the teahouse unfolds across interconnected platforms of varying heights, partitioned by wooden rails and stone paths that echo a classical Chinese garden. Pathways of white gravel, wooden steps, and clusters of potted plants guide visitors naturally through the space, with gentle elevation changes adding visual interest.

Art is front and center here. Ceramic panels from Zhang’s SUTURE series are displayed throughout, giving the teahouse a gallery-like feel in a relaxed setting.

The materials are rooted in tradition with a modern twist. Wooden slats, stone surfaces, and arched metal frames organise views and define different zones. Translucent paper windows nod to Chinese paper screens, softening the overall look and adding a touch of heritage.

Tea can invigorate or soothe, and this teahouse captures both, embodying the drink's versatile spirit.

Photography: FREE WILL PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO