Cosmetea, a tea-inspired beauty brand, has opened a new retail experience store in Shanghai, designed by Nax Architects. The store is a testament to the brand’s philosophy of “Tea Beauty Science,” blending traditional tea culture with modern cosmetics. The design features a minimalist aesthetic, incorporating natural materials and light to create an immersive and relaxing environment.
Cosmetea, a tea-inspired beauty brand, has opened a new retail experience store in Shanghai, designed by Nax Architects. The store is a testament to the brand’s philosophy of “Tea Beauty Science,” blending traditional tea culture with modern cosmetics. The design features a minimalist aesthetic, incorporating natural materials and light to create an immersive and relaxing environment.
The store, located on Wuyuan Road, a historic street in Shanghai, is a fusion of traditional teahouse and modern beauty retail space. The designers drew inspiration from the concept of “Taste a beautea,” combining the layered forms of mountains with the tranquility of a teahouse. This results in a 75-square-meter space that embodies the essence of a “tea room floating in the mountains.”
The entrance features a modern minimalist stainless-steel screen, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue. The screen acts as a subtle transition from the bustling street to the tranquil interior, showcasing the brand’s unique character. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a stainless-steel suspended table in the center of the space, complemented by “floating lights” beneath the concrete roof. The use of glass bricks and innovative lighting effects create a sense of movement and light, echoing the ancient Chinese tradition of “qu shui liu shang” (flowing water and floating flowers).
The space’s color palette draws inspiration from the reddish-brown hue of Pu’er tea, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The muted pink tones complement the modern aesthetic while also providing a sense of comfort. The textured diatomaceous earth walls, illuminated by indirect lighting, evoke the beauty of traditional Chinese ink wash paintings. The textured surface adds a natural element to the space, further enhancing the feeling of tranquility.
The store’s design is both flexible and functional. The glass brick and metal stairs offer a sense of lightness and stability, guiding visitors through the space. The transparent materials break up the monotony of the space, creating a sense of openness and inviting exploration. The modular display shelves allow for flexible product presentation, while the movable stairs made of OSB and perforated metal feature embedded Cosmetea product bottle caps, highlighting the brand logo through the illumination. This ingenious design transforms recycled materials into sustainable artistic expressions.
Project Information:
Project Name: Cosmetea New Beauty Tea Culture Brand Store
Space Type: Commercial Space, Retail Space, Beauty Store
Space Address: 1413 Wuyuan Road, Changning District, Shanghai
Design Company: Nax Architects
Lead Designer: Lina Chan, Yiting Ma, Jo Jiao
Built Area: 75 Square Meters
Main Materials: Textured Paint, Stainless Steel, Self-Leveling, Glass Bricks, Wood, Self-Leveling, Glass
Photography Copyright: Raitt Liu
Client: Shangmei Group / Hanshu Cosmetics South Korea Branch HONDO
