Design Studio NAO has created a Japanese teahouse in the capital of Georgia that brings together a blend of both cultures in the final design.

The project is located in the heart of old Tbilisi, and stands in a historical Georgian ruin that has been transformed into a Japanese teahouse while respecting the building's own unique charm.

The design addresses the challenge of installing a Japanese cultural icon with a nod to Georgian cultures. A collaborative workshop was held with local architecture students and young architects to contribute to the final design, which features cement as a longstanding local material alongside touches including tatami floor mats.

Out of respect for the architecture as much of the existing exterior was kept as possible, including the building's lateral tilt of 5.8 degrees, from which the teahouse gets its name.

This project has been longlisted in the small interiors category of Dezeen Awards 2022.

Designer: Design Studio NAO

Project: Teahouse 5.8