Discover 2m26 and Onomiau’s Intimate Mountain Tea Pavilion in Kyoto

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Summary

  • Le Picabier is an outdoor micro tea room located in the mountains north of Kyoto
  • Designed by 2m26 and Onomiau, the structure features a chimney-shaped form and is clad in charred cedar
  • A miniature fire pit can be found inside

Situated among the mountains north of Kyoto, Le Picabier is a compact tea house conceptualized by Kyoto-based studio 2m26 in partnership with Parisian firm Onomiau. This project was undertaken by Villa Kujoyama, an artistic residency established by the French Institute in Japan. The tiny tea pavilion combines traditional Japanese artisanship with modern architectural ideas. Its distinctive chimney-like design, covered in burnt cedar shingles, echoes the abstract creations of American architect John Hejduk, expressing rationality, poetry, and a touch of the unusual.

Le Picabier’s imprint follows the standard proportions of a tatami mat, yet it’s been cleverly condensed into a snug 95.5cm by 64cm area that sits slightly above a wooden foundation. Within this cozy nook, a diminutive fire pit generates heat for boiling water, while a smartly designed opening and chimney effectively dissipate smoke.

This building employs timber sourced locally, where cypress serves as the foundation and main framework, offering a captivating contrast against the burnt cedar roofing on the outside. The exterior’s charred cedar shingles provide a stark, eye-catching appearance amidst the surrounding woodland. Inside, these same shingles are treated with kakishibu, a natural dye extracted from fermented persimmon fruits, historically prized for its effectiveness in warding off insects and water damage.

On the tower-like structure, a lantern modeled after ancient Japanese shrines functions as a symbolic beacon, with just one candle ignited to denote the start of the tea ceremony. As the flame slowly dies out, it emphasizes the pavilion’s investigation into transience and sensory interaction. Le Picabier presents itself as a peaceful sanctuary, encapsulating the harmony of minimalism, tangibility, and spatial sensitivity, while providing a contemporary take on Japan’s profound tea tradition.

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2025-05-27 13:25