HWCD’s Floating Bamboo Courtyard Teahouse is a Zen Space For A Tea Party

Drinking tea is an important cultural activity in China, and this bamboo teahouse was built in order to honor that tradition. Located in the ShiQiao garden in Yangzhou, to the northwest of Shanghai, the floating <a href="http://www.h-w-c-d.com/projectlist.aspx?ProductId=162#ProductImages/_634831276841562500.jpg" target="_blank">Bamboo Courtyard Teahouse</a> was designed by Chinese architect Sun Wei, who is a partner at <a href="http://www.h-w-c-d.com/" target="_blank">HWCD</a>. Bamboo poles are used as walls, dividers and shading devices that also encourage natural ventilation. This zen spot on the water is perfect for contemplation and sipping some tea.

<a href="http://www.h-w-c-d.com/" target="_blank">HWCD's</a> Bamboo Courtyard Teahouse embraces traditional Chinese garden design by blending into the natural environment.

The floating structure has a square envelope composed of a series of tea rooms organized around an open courtyard in the middle.

The rooms and outdoor seating areas all face inwards towards the internal pavilion, but all rooms have views of the surrounding lake.

The 400 sq m teahouse was completed in May 2012.

Bamboo is arranged vertically and horizontally to produce depth and visual effects, and the material provides a tacit connection to nature.

Gaps in the bamboo encourage natural ventilation, and at night interior lights shine through to create a soft glow.

Brick is also used in the construction of the rooms to provide shade and retain heat in the winter, reducing dependency on the building's mechanical heating and cooling system.

The teahouse during the day.

Views inside the teahouse are directed across the interior courtyard.

The reception area.

Site plan.

Section drawing.

Floor plan.