| Following the tradition of tea masters before him, Terunobu Fujimori has built a unique architectural wonder; With an 8×8 floorplan and a 20 foot distance from the ground below, his tea house “Takasugi-an” has well-earned its translation of “a teahouse too high”. Since the earliest establishment 304 years ago in London, the tea house has acquired a variety of definitions around the world. In North America and the United Kingdom, it has the feeling of a traditional café. In Europe and the Middle East, it is a house separated from a common area, providing relaxation and a form of escape. However, Japan’s culture seems to have served as the point of inspiration for architect Terunobu; Takasugi-an was built to provide a space of simplicity and tranquility, influencing it’s inhabitants’ spirits and intelligence to flow uninterrupted by distraction. By carefully constructing his masterpiece atop two chestnut trees, he has taken freedom, isolation and balance to a completely new level. |
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| Takasugi-an was built from plaster and charred cedar, with bamboo mats serving as the interior lining. The standing chestnut trees which hold up the tea house were actually cut down from another location, specifically selected for their current task. To access Takasugi-an, a ladder must be brought to the site and angled appropriately to climb to initial platform; the ladder is used for entry and exit and is taken down when not in use, preserving the natural feeling of the structure. After arriving at the first platform, guests must take off their shoes, at which point they will then be allowed to ascend the second ladder and enter into Terunobu Fujimori’s escape. Once inside, guests will be greeted by a room which has been described as fitting the body “like a piece of clothing”; imagining this, I feel comfortable and focused. From within Takasugi-an, guests will be able to sip tea while enjoying a peaceful view from the three windows to the vast landscape beyond. | |
  
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This article features media from Dezeen Magazine | Information from Dezeen Magazine and Wikipedia | Architecture by Terunobu Fujimori |
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