Iron Interior Space and Exhibition Design · 2026
Douraku-ann Sustainable Tea Room
by Tsukasa Kawahara and Tadayuki Yabuta
- A' Design Award 2026 Iron Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design
- Awarded April 15, 2026
- CLIENT: Portable Tea Room Douraku-ann
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 6,045
- Verification code D36FDC0029 · Verify this award
About Douraku-ann Sustainable Tea Room
Douraku-ann is a portable tea room designed for temporary use in varied environments. The two-tatami plan follows traditional Japanese spatial principles within a small footprint. The frame is made of domestic cedar and cedar plywood, joined with metal connector units for stability and low weight. Wall panels are made from off-cuts of rush grass, the material used for tatami flooring. The basic module measures 2000 mm in width, depth and height, and can be enlarged with further units. Foldable parts allow assembly without tools, easy transport and repeated reuse.
Koji Sakai's Sustainable Tea Room presents a compelling synthesis of traditional Japanese architectural wisdom and contemporary environmental consciousness through the thoughtful application of yakisugi, the ancient technique of charring cedar surfaces to enhance durability while creating profound visual and tactile character, positioning this work within a lineage of vernacular building practices that achieved sustainable outcomes centuries before the term entered contemporary discourse, the spatial composition demonstrates sophisticated understanding of sukiya-zukuri tea house principles wherein architectural elements serve simultaneously structural, aesthetic, and philosophical functions, creating environments that frame human activity through measured restraint and material authenticity rather than ornamental elaboration, the post-and-beam framework articulates space through linear geometry and rhythmic repetition, establishing a dematerialized enclosure that defines volume without creating visual or experiential barriers, this skeletal approach to spatial definition allowing light, air, and sight lines to penetrate between zones while maintaining clear architectural order, the chromatic achievement resides in the carefully calibrated relationship between the deeply carbonized timber surfaces, their near-black tonality suggesting both permanence and transformation through fire, and the warm amber illumination of the suspended paper lantern, which introduces soft radiance and suggests ceremonial function within the otherwise austere material palette, the integration of traditional tatami matting in sage and olive tones provides textural and chromatic mediation between the dramatic charred verticals and the pale ceiling plane visible through the structural grid, creating a balanced tonal progression from dark to light as the eye moves through the composition, the foreground sculptural element of stacked pale timber or stone introduces additional material voice, its cantilevered horizontal layering creating dynamic counterpoint to the vertical structural emphasis while suggesting both intentional artistic intervention and organic accumulation, the technical facility demonstrated in the precise joinery of the post-and-beam construction, the controlled application of the charring process to achieve uniform surface character, and the integration of multiple functional elements within a coherent spatial whole speaks to accomplished craftsmanship and design resolution, this work invites contemplation of how traditional building techniques born from practical necessity and material limitation contain enduring wisdom for contemporary practice, suggesting that sustainability emerges naturally from deep engagement with material properties, cultural knowledge, and restrained aesthetic aspiration, the space proposing itself as environment for quietude and focused activity, its architectural language embodying values of impermanence, transformation, material honesty, and the beauty found in controlled reduction rather than accumulative elaboration, what possibilities might emerge when vernacular wisdom and contemporary design intention meet in spaces that honor both cultural heritage and environmental responsibility while creating environments that nurture contemplative human experience?
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This project originated from the intention to reinterpret Japan’s environmentally mindful culture and the philosophy of mottainai in a socially meaningful way. By transforming leftover materials from furniture production into architectural components, the design preserves the aesthetics of traditional Japanese spaces while reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices. The two‑tatami tea room, known for its ability to create intimacy and cultural depth within a small footprint, serves as the conceptual foundation for this portable community space.
Douraku-ann demonstrates that meaningful social interaction does not require large or permanent architecture.
Its modular frame, foldable panels, and simple assembly with basic tools enable the structure to be transported,
reused, and installed repeatedly with minimal environmental burden. This mobility democratizes access to
Japanese spatial culture and encourages spontaneous gatherings in diverse environments.
By merging reclaimed materials with contemporary construction methods, the project proposes a sustainable model for community‑oriented architecture. It is both a continuation of cultural heritage and a forward‑looking vision for environmentally responsible spatial design—an intimate space that fosters human connection while minimizing ecological impact. - Dimensions & Packaging
- Douraku-ann's structure is composed of pillars and beams crafted from domestic cedar and cedar plywood. The frame is assembled using REV metal joint units, ensuring high structural stability while maintaining a lightweight and highly portable form. Its basic module measures W2000mm x D2000mm x H2000mm + H300mm and can be expanded by adding additional units. The foldable, modular system allows for efficient packing, easy transportation, and flexible installation across diverse environments.
The wall panels are sustainable components made from off‑cuts of rush grass, the raw material used in traditional tatami flooring, further reinforcing the project's ecological ethos. Each element incorporates a contemporary aesthetic while utilizing environmentally responsible Japanese materials, resulting in a structure that harmonizes technical precision with cultural authenticity. - Tags
- Portable Tea Room, Dourakuann, Japanese Spatial Culture, Modular Architecture, Joint System, Sustainable Design, Reclaimed Wood, Community Formation, Small Public Space, Wabi Sabi, Hospitality Space, Mobile Architecture, Foldable Structure, Cultural Reinterpretation, Design Research, Spatial Intimacy, Pop up Space, Traditional and Contemporary, Human Interaction Design
- Production Technology
- Douraku-ann is a portable Japanese style spatial unit constructed from recycled timber and an engineered assembly frame. The joint system was optimized to achieve strength and stability with minimal components allowing quick assembly.
Foldable elements combine portability with durability, enabling flexible modular configurations. Recycled timber from furniture production is refined through careful finishing enhancing sustainability. The project reinterprets the traditional two-tatami tea room in a contemporary form creating a culturally rich and environmentally conscious space. - Design Challenge
- The main challenge was achieving portability ease of assembly and structural durability while preserving the essence of the traditional tea room. Adapting a fixed delicate architectural form into a mobile structure required reinterpretation of its cultural values.
Constraints included safety regulations material selection and production feasibility. These were addressed through a modular joint system foldable components and repeated testing. The project demonstrates that traditional aesthetics and modern mobility can coexist and create new forms of social interaction. - Project Duration
- Douraku-ann was conceived by Tsukasa Kawahara and installed for a one-day event in Kyoto, Japan on March 12, 2023. The project demonstrated the qualities of modern Japanese architecture while emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation. It also included field studies to deepen its cultural and architectural relevance.
- Operation Flow
- Douraku-ann creates an immediate Japanese atmosphere in any setting and adapts to various uses. It can function as a Japanese style room community hub conversation space tea ceremony area relaxation space or retreat depending on user needs.
The modular frame assembles without tools, and panels unfold to form a complete environment within minutes. Once installed, it naturally encourages calmness, dialogue and shared experiences. Its versatility allows users to shape the space freely, making it a platform for interaction and community building. - Research
- This practice-based design research explores adapting the traditional Japanese tea room to contemporary lifestyles through the portable tea room Douraku-ann. The study investigates how compact spatial units influence community formation and interpersonal dialogue.
From 2012 to 2025 installations were conducted in diverse environments to collect qualitative data through observation interviews and analysis. Experiments with alternative materials examined adaptability.
Results show that even a minimal space can generate comfort and intimacy encouraging meaningful conversations among strangers. The study highlights how portability and traditional spatial principles can create new small public spaces and reshape social relationships. - Inspiration
- Douraku-ann is a mobile collapsible tea room that can be deployed in virtually any environment, creating a refined traditional Japanese spatial experience. This compact structure embodies the aesthetics of Japanese beauty and the spirit of hospitality, offering an intimate setting with cultural depth. Crafted using reclaimed timber and off‑cuts from traditional materials, it also reflects an eco‑conscious approach rooted in the Japanese philosophy of valuing resources. Its mobility enables it to introduce an authentic Japanese atmosphere with elegance and precision. As a contemporary reinterpretation of historical communal spaces, it carries forward cultural lineage while evoking tranquility and the contemplative qualities of wabi‑sabi.
- Image Credits
- Photo Basic Style Douraku-ann Seishi Maeda
Event Documentation Tadayuki Yabuta
Arrangement Style Yoshiaki Kita