Krisna Cheung Architects Pty Ltd.

Tea House

Tea House 

Krisna Cheung Architects

Tea House
© Peter Bennetts Studio

DESIGN TEAM
Welan Chu, Stewart Wu, De Lester Wong

MANUFACTURERS
Austral Brick Metallic Platinum Bricks, Mitchell Group Australia, Monier Roofing, Natural Hardwood

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Coxcape

CONTRACTOR / BUILDERS
Fine Home Construction

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
Y.w Yong Structural Enigneers

DESIGN PRINCIPLE ARCHITECT
Ray Cheung

AREA
720 M²

YEAR
2023

LOCATION
Glen Iris, Australia

CATEGORY
Houses

Tea House
© Peter Bennetts Studio

'A home that reflects Asian warmth and lightness while integrating Melbourne's local context.' Set in the busy southeast suburb of Melbourne, the 'Tea House' hoped to capture comfort, cultural connection, and a sense of familiarity for a family of four.

DESIGN RESPONSE TO CONCEPT AND BRIEF

The client's passion for oriental architecture guides the balance of tradition and modernity. Each element and material instill tranquility, enveloping the home in an undisturbed atmosphere.

Tea House
© Peter Bennetts Studio
Tea House
© Peter Bennetts Studio

A heavy masonry brick on the ground floor contrasts with a lightweight timber batten façade above, creating a lantern effect.

Large timber doors lead inside, where dark brick walls invert the outdoor experience, emphasizing continuity.

Tea House
© Peter Bennetts Studio
Tea House
© Peter Bennetts Studio

The tearoom at the front reinterprets the traditional porch, where the family can enjoy morning sunlight while sipping tea—a homage to timeless rituals.

RESPONSE TO CONSTRAINTS

Contrasting the suburb's chaotic density, the house offers spaces of calm. However, the materiality seeks to describe its context, blending cultural nuances with local influences through locally sourced materials like Monier Nullarbor Terracotta Roof Tiles, Austral Brick Metallic Platinum Bricks, and Cambia Ash Timber Battens.

The grandparents' retreat required balancing separation with accessibility while avoiding isolation. Positioned at the rear, it integrates Melbourne's granny flat with a multigenerational design.

Tea House
© Peter Bennetts Studio
Tea House
© Peter Bennetts Studio

A central hallway, acting as the spine, links the retreat to the main house, allowing the grandparents their own space while keeping them connected to the family.

RELATIONSHIP TO CONTEXT AND BROADER PUBLIC BENEFIT

'The Tea House roots itself in place while appearing to float like a lantern, its timber batten façade illuminating the surroundings.' The design isn't only about the clients; it is about the local context.

It blends cultural influences with the local context, supplementing Melbourne's multicultural identity. We considered the roof forms and materials of the surrounding dwellings, taking cues from and complementing the context.

Tea House
© Peter Bennetts Studio
Tea House
© Peter Bennetts Studio

Outdoor nooks created from architectural push and pull prioritize privacy with timber screens limiting adjacent views. An open roof design offers an expansive sky, while the façade punctures frame glimpses of the streetscape and cityscape beyond, integrating it into the home.

A shared courtyard serves as a meeting point, strengthening connections among extended families or potential tenants.

Tea House
© Peter Bennetts Studio
Tea House
© Peter Bennetts Studio

Reflecting trends toward multi-generational living, this flexible design model is adaptable to suburban settings and addresses evolving housing needs.

SUSTAINABILITY

Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in the use of locally sourced materials, reducing environmental impact and supporting local economies.

Tea House
Sketch and Model
Tea House
Details

North-oriented timber battens provide sun shading for thermal performance and privacy, while the traditional tiled roof offers insulation, enhancing energy efficiency.

Large green shrouded doors and motorized windows optimize cross ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling and promoting energy conservation.

Tea House
Elevation
Tea House
Plan

Spatial continuity and positive energy flow are achieved by aligning the front entry door and a circular wall opening along an axis that connects rooms.

These design choices follow Feng Shui principles, adding harmony and balance to the house, honoring tradition, and offering a sense of peace, connection, and belonging to the family.

Tea House
Site Plan

Krisna Cheung Architects Pty Ltd.
T +61 413 336828
Krisna Cheung Architects Pty Ltd.
29 Erskine St, North Melbourne VIC 3051, Australia