Spacemen Studio foregrounds fabric and colour in a hospitality project inspired by the ritual preparation of matcha.

Drawing inspiration from the intricate ritual of matcha preparation, our design showcases a striking ceiling installation of hand-dyed fabric. These flowing layers drift overhead in rhythmic motion, capturing the graceful swirl of whisked matcha and the fluid elegance of silk drifting in the air.

The fabric is dyed by artist Duniamotif in varying shades of green, from deep forest hues to vibrant matcha tones, with subtle gradients that shift like the luminous glow of an aurora. This effect evokes the natural transformation of matcha as it is whisked, starting as a deep green powder and becoming a light, frothy suspension. The sweeping motion of the fabric, designed to mimic the fluid gestures of a bamboo whisk, reinforces the meditative, ritualistic nature of matcha-making. Soft, diffused lighting enhances the translucency of the fabric, allowing it to shift in tone throughout the day, much like the ever-changing sky.

Beneath this floating installation, the café’s clean, modern aesthetic provides a grounded contrast, focusing on craftsmanship and simplicity. The entire bar counter and surrounding walls are clad in vertical aluminum profiles is an intentional choice to introduce a sleek, lab-like precision to the space. This use of aluminum not only reflects the minimalist ethos of Japanese tea culture but also reinforces a sense of order, refinement, and quiet intensity. Its subtle sheen interacts with the lighting to echo the clean, crisp nature of a matcha atelier, while the tactile rhythm of the profiling adds a layer of quiet dynamism to the space.

The space that feels immersive and serene, where guests can experience the beauty of matcha both visually and sensorially, much like witnessing the quiet dance of the aurora in the night sky.

Drawing inspiration from the intricate ritual of matcha preparation, our design showcases a striking ceiling installation of hand-dyed fabric by Duniamotif. These flowing layers drift overhead in rhythmic motion, capturing the graceful swirl of whisked matcha and the fluid elegance of silk drifting in the air.

Spacemen Studio
spacemen-studio.com

Photography
David Yeow Photography