Discover Onomiau and 2m26’s Intimate Mountain Tea Pavilion in Kyoto
Titled Yachō.
Summary
- Yachō is an outdoor micro tea room located in the mountains north of Kyoto
- Designed by Onomiau and 2m26, the structure features a chimney-shaped form and is clad in charred cedar
- A miniature fire pit can be found inside
Nestled in the mountains north of Kyoto, Yachō (“夜鳥” meaning night bird) is a micro tea room developed by Onomiau, a french architecture studio, during a residency at Villa Kujoyama. The project was designed and brought to life in collaboration with Kyoto-based practice 2m26. The structure is a one-person tea pavilion, blending traditional Japanese craftsmanship with contemporary architectural influences. Its chimney-shaped form, clad in charred cedar shingles, pays homage to Japanese fire culture, embodying a sense of rationality, poetry and strangeness.
The footprint of Yachō is based on the traditional dimensions of a tatami mat, reduced to a compact 95.5cm x 64cm space and slightly elevated on a wooden base. Inside this intimate space, a miniature fire pit provides the necessary heat for boiling water, while an ingeniously angled opening and chimney efficiently disperse smoke.
The construction utilizes locally sourced wood, with cypress forming the base and core structure, contrasting beautifully with the charred cedar shingles on the exterior, which create a striking visual against the surrounding forest. Internally, these shingles are coated with kakishibu, a natural dye derived from fermented persimmon fruit, traditionally valued for its ability to protect wood from insects and water damage.
Atop the chimney-like structure, a lantern inspired by traditional Japanese shrines serves as a ceremonial marker, where a single candle is lit to signify the beginning of the tea ritual. The flame’s gradual fading marks the end of the ceremony, reinforcing the pavilion’s exploration of impermanence and sensory experience. Yachō stands as a meditative retreat, embodying the balance of simplicity, materiality and spatial awareness, while offering a modern reinterpretation of Japan’s rich tea culture.
