For a renowned European tea master, we were given the special task of designing an authentic Japanese tea garden, in which the centuries-old traditions of the Japanese tea ceremony are at the center. The garden not only had to have a serene and refined appearance, but above all serve as a meaningful place where the tea master could traditionally welcome and prepare his guests for the tea ceremony.

The design is inspired by the classic Japanese Roji, The ‘moss path’, literally the 'path of mosses', symbolizes the transition from the everyday world to the tranquility and concentration of the tea room. A carefully laid path of natural stepping stones leads visitors through an intimate landscape of carefully placed stones, moss-like ground covers and other subtle plantings.

Hidden in a secluded corner of the garden is a small Koshikake Machiai, The Tsukubai, a traditional covered waiting area where guests can take their seats before the ceremony. In the vicinity, a Tsukubai arrangement forms an important ritual element. A special feature of the design is also the wooden Nijiriguchi, The characteristic low entrance to the tea room, which completes the symbolic transition to the world of the Japanese tea ceremony.

The construction of this special tea garden was guided by respect for traditional Japanese garden architecture. The available space was carefully designed with natural stone steps, rock formations, gravel, and a refined selection of Japanese plants. Each stone was deliberately positioned to create a natural rhythm that guided visitors through the garden in a calm, almost meditative way.

In the back of the garden we built an authentic Koshikake Machiai, executed as an elegant wooden structure with a distinctive sloping roof and a sheltered seating area. The warm wood tones and understated design harmoniously blend with the surrounding vegetation. Alongside this retreat, we created a traditional Tsukubai arrangement featuring a natural stone water basin, carefully arranged stones, and dark river pebbles.

A particularly important part of the work was the manufacture of the wooden Nijiriguchi, the traditional low entrance to the tea room in the adjacent building. With attention to Japanese proportions, wood connections and a sober appearance, we created an architectural element that plays an essential role within the tea ceremony. The low entrance invites guests to literally bow as they enter the tea room, as an expression of humility, respect and equality.