Tea drinking may be steeped in tradition but 蜜葉裡 Ambrosia in Shenzhen has been designed by Biasol for the modern, mindful tea drinker of today.
Within a shopping centre in an up-and-coming area of Shenzhen, China, 蜜葉裡 Ambrosia allows its patrons to feel fresh and free like they are about to enjoy their best of cup of tea. 蜜葉裡 Ambrosia is a new bubble tea brand that values health, balance and happiness, so it was important that the design and atmosphere of its physical space mirror such an ethos.
Multi-disciplinary design studio Biasol has a number of exceptional food and beverage spaces to their name. In fact, Pentolina in Melbourne’s CBD was recently shortlisted in the 2019 INDE.Awards Social Space category. The studio’s expertise and ingenuity in designing these spaces continue to present the unexpected to enthusing clients and patrons alike.
For example, you might not think bubble tea and Chinese architecture have much in common – but they are two almost opposing forces that have been heavily drawn on as inspiration for the interior design and branding of the space.
“The minimalist form is based on the traditional Chinese courtyard houses [siheyuan] and architectural gateways [paifang] to achieve a sense of flow,” says Jean-Pierre Biasol. The wooden arches that frame the entry and border the grooved glass panels play the role of the paifang, while the long and narrow interior mirrors that of the siheyuan residences.
Rounded corners and a tan leather upholstered banquette creates the illusion of space in a site that would otherwise be considered quite compact. Pavlova terrazzo tiles from Fibonacci Stone line the floors and seamlessly extends up to the walls before recurring again on the counter and tables. The soft pink palette and use of handcrafted techniques create a calming, sensory-rich experience that recalls the simplistic yet impactful ritual of drinking tea.
Simplicity is key, not just in the design of the shop but fundamentally in the kitchen too. While the rise and rise of bubble tea has seen the sweetness factor of the cult beverage ascend an endless staircase, 蜜葉裡 Ambrosia is dedicated to the use of sensory loose-leaf teas paired with the finest natural honey for an authentic tea taste forgoing the use of refined sugar.
“We translated the values of health, balance and happiness into the design of the venue with a material and colour palette as sweet and refreshing as bubble tea,” adds Jean-Pierre.
A neon white light on the wall reads Be my best cup of tea echoes this sentiment and is repeated on takeaway cups; so even if you can’t stay to enjoy your best cup of tea, you can take a little bit of that 蜜葉裡 Ambrosia atmosphere with you anywhere.
–
See more work by the talented Biasol here. And join our mailing list for regular design inspo.
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
The Sub-Zero Wolf showrooms in Sydney and Melbourne provide a creative experience unlike any other. Now showcasing all-new product ranges, the showrooms present a unique perspective on the future of kitchens, homes and lifestyles.
Sub-Zero and Wolf’s prestigious Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) has celebrated the very best in kitchen innovation and aesthetics for three decades now. Recognising premier kitchen design professionals from around the globe, the KDC facilitates innovation, style and functionality that pushes boundaries.
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
Lacquered in warm timber tones and complemented by high-quality furniture and fixtures, the new HQ for Salta Properties is a home away from home.
We spoke with George Fleck, Vice President and Global Brand Leader of W Hotels, about the intermingling of hotel and hospitality design trends.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Pedrali’s new headquarters is more than a dynamic, modern workplace. It is a space in which the Italian company can display its wares in the best possible light.
Drawing on the concept of a watering hole as a gathering place in nature, GroupGSA has rejuvenated Sydney Water’s headquarters located in Parramatta.