The look for Melbourne bubble teashop Ambrosia by Biasol is a peach-tinted landscape with feminine undertones and light, natural timbers.
The popularity of bubble tea has been shaking up the beverage industry in recent years as the frothy, effervescent drink finds a market of faithful fans.
Bubble tea is traditionally made with tea, fruit, milk or juice and little pearls of tapioca goodness.
Ambrosia is the name we gave to a new tea brand and shop in an up-and-coming area of Shenzhen, China.
The clients wanted an international studio to design their hospitality venue and brand, and engaged Biasol to help make their mark as fashionable, modern and mindful.
Wanting to share an authentic taste of tea without the use of sugar, Ambrosia uses sensory loose-leaf teas and the finest natural honey.
As Ambrosia fosters health, balance and happiness, we translated these values into the design of the venue with a material and colour palette as sweet and refreshing as bubble tea.
The unique and impactful space has utilised handcrafted techniques and a distinctive aesthetic to appeal to the modern and mindful tea drinker.
The minimalist form is based on the traditional Chinese courtyard houses and architectural gateways to achieve a sense of flow, while the soft pink palette creates a calming, sensory experience.
Wooden arches with opaque glass panels frame the entry and service counter and are a contemporary nod to the traditional Chinese gateway, paifang.
The long and narrow interior evokes the courtyard in historical siheyuan residences, where enclosed courtyards provide intimacy for family and friends.
Rounded corners soften the feel of the long and narrow space, with a menu affixed to the wall at one end, and an upholstered banquette at the other.
The service counter is in the centre with all tea-making taking place behind the scenes.
The light and feminine palette draws inspiration from pale earthy tones and timber textures. Fibonacci Stone’s ‘Pavlova’ terrazzo on the floors, counter, tables and walls are an aggregate of sensory and calming tones with flesh, blush and salmon hues.
Pendant lights above the counter are like bubbles rising to the surface, and a neon white light, ‘Be my best cup of tea’, reiterates the lifestyle that Biasol’s design for Ambrosia represents.
Established in 2012 by Jean-Pierre Biasol, Biasol Interior Design is based in Melbourne and operates internationally as a team of designers and architects.
Bubble teashops feel like the new frontier for interior designers in Melbourne with EFC Group channeling a Chinese courtyard house and Fretard Design getting psychedelic with bubble tea store Tealive.
Photography: James Morgan.