BONTEA, originally from the tea-rich region of Menghai in Yunnan, has now arrived in Beijing. To provide a unique experience for tea enthusiasts and those who appreciate nature’s creations, Fon Studio designed a special “tearoom”. Located in Wangjing business district, the space is enclosed by a circular glass curtain wall, making the interior fully visible to passersby. The design challenge was to seamlessly blend the brand’s identity with the transparent and open display.
“Reimagining the Value of Time” is BONTEA’s declaration after over a century of dedication to Pu’er tea. The design reflects the brand’s view of time through a new spatial form. The transparent glass facade offers openness, while a sculptural shell space inside creates visual depth. This simple yet powerful design conveys the brand’s commitment to reinvention.
Breaking away from traditional retail models, Fon Studio innovatively dedicates nearly a third of the space to a flexible, organic “theater.” This area serves not just as a commercial space but as a cultural platform, adaptable to a variety of events such as retail, lectures, exhibitions, tea parties, and performances.
The entrance features an open foyer, serving as a natural transition into BONTEA. Movable stainless steel display cabinets allow flexible product displays and space adaptability. The central tea table is the focal point, facilitating tastings, product explanations, and interactions.
The design expands functionality and display, breaking traditional retail norms to highlight the brand’s rich cultural essence. It truly embodies “associating with friends by tea,” using modern design language to convey the depth and vitality of a century-old tea culture.
The interior uses OSB with natural wood grain, mirroring the texture of Pu’er tea cakes, subtly reflecting the brand’s core product. Warm grey tones soften the glass facade, creating a modern yet inviting space.
The four private rooms by the windows are designed as dynamic box-like spaces of varying sizes, blending interior and exterior views for a tranquil yet fluid experience. Each room, with its unique style, artistically interprets “tea,” showcasing its rich textures, aromas, and layers through thoughtful design.
This versatile space, open to different interpretations, invites visitors to enjoy tea and communication, immersing themselves in the rich tea culture. From the moment the brand space opened, “Reimagining the Value of Time” has been writing a new chapter.
