Lakeside Teahouse, a harmonious blend of 1930s heritage and modern design
The Lakeside Teahouse project, designed by Domain Architects, is situated in a tranquil location in front of a hill and a short distance from the lake shore. Two houses from the 1930s, each featuring small courtyard spaces known as “sky wells,” were carefully transformed into a teahouse and rest area for tourists. Though the operator of the property remains undecided, the project captures the timeless charm of the site while presenting a modern twist.
The original timber-frame structures of the houses were largely preserved, save for the roof of one small section, reflecting a design ethos of minimal intervention. By retaining and gently modifying the old structures, the architects sought to honor local history while introducing a contemporary architectural language. The result is a poetic juxtaposition of tradition and modernity.
The scenic location is celebrated for embodying traditional Chinese literati aesthetics, with its cultural roots deeply connected to landscape paintings. In such artworks, corridors and bridges are not merely functional elements but are focal points for rest and reflection. These visual traditions inspired the design of a curved, elevated bridge-corridor, which connects the two historic houses.
Much like the progressive unveiling of a traditional landscape hand-scroll painting, the corridor invites visitors to experience the landscape in a similarly introspective and ritualistic manner. This design creates a narrative journey, offering guests ever-changing views of the lake and surrounding scenery.
The bridge-corridor delicately interacts with the existing structures. Beginning at the roofless volume of one house and halting near the old wall of the other, it remains intentionally detached from the original architecture. The lake-facing side is fully glazed, ensuring uninterrupted views, while the hill-facing side is shielded by an irregular arrangement of steel posts and clear and frosted polycarbonate tubes. This composition introduces natural ventilation and creates a dynamic interplay of filtered sunlight. The irregularity of the tubes disrupts the rhythm of the steel posts, adding a layer of visual intrigue.
The structural design eschews conventional linear expansion in favor of varied support forms. From staircases to a gable wall’s side support, and from local stone elements to uniquely shaped concrete structures, the design is intentionally informal. This approach fosters a relaxed, casual ambiance. The single-sided cantilevered section of the corridor maximizes views of the lake while presenting a significant structural challenge in maintaining rigidity and minimizing deformation.
A seasonal creek that had eroded the ground between the two houses was transformed into a shallow pond. This natural feature integrates seamlessly into the site’s design, complemented by stone-slab bridges, water paths, platforms, and lush vegetation. Together with the bamboo and existing trees, these elements create spatial relationships that recall the charm of traditional Chinese gardens, offering a deeply immersive experience within a compact site.
By preserving the authentic atmosphere of the pre-modern houses and introducing a steel and glass bridge-corridor, the project bridges not only physical spaces but also temporal divides. Visitors are transported across time, experiencing a harmonious dialogue between the past and present. The Lakeside Teahouse emerges as an architectural masterpiece, embodying the poetic spirit of the locale while providing an inspiring and serene retreat.
Photography by Zhang Chao, courtesy of Domain Architects, shared with permission
