In Form and Space, a course taken in my first semester of Architecture, I was tasked with designing a Tea House situated in West End. The Tea House is not a commercial building or cafe, it is to be a place the public can enjoy for free.

 

I set out to understand the brief, complete site research and analysis. Through an iterative process complete with group critique sessions the design of the West End Tea House took shape. With a fire pit, small kitchen area, ammenities, viewing tower and a large seating area soaked by the view of the Brisbane river; the design was able to fulfil the brief with through a simple timber structure.

 

In my design brief I detailed some poetic or atmospheric goals for the design. The space was to create a slowed pace and a feeling or patience, joy and happiness, sharing and storytelling and feeling as if you had been taken back to your roots, for it to be natural and raw. To create these atmospheric goals stripped back the design to enhance the slow and natural. Storytelling is facilitated by a circular courtyard, inward facing seating arrangements and a fire pit. Natural materials such a cork and timber have been specified, along with the incorporation of plants to bring calm, patience, natural and raw elements.