How do you take a tea brand rooted in tradition into the future? XO Atelier reimagines Avantcha’s identity through a refined blend of minimalism and Asian-inspired aesthetics. This 110 sqm concept store in Dubai is more than a tea house—it is a curated space where customers engage with tea through a sensory and immersive journey.
Inspired by contemporary Asian design, the space is a study in contrasts—geometric precision balanced by organic softness. A brushed steel partition runs diagonally, dividing the store into two fluid zones: a retail boutique and a tea house.
At its core, a circular tea-exploration table in polished steel redefines how customers interact with over 110 tea varieties. Reminiscent of a fragrance bar, it transforms tea selection into an experiential ritual. Above it, a floating linen chandelier adds a tactile softness, casting diffused light over the space.
The café area echoes this purity of form. A sleek black tea bar, lava stone surfaces, and bespoke furniture create an understated elegance. Textural depth is introduced through a palette of matte black, brushed steel, and hand-glazed tiles, reinforcing Avantcha’s commitment to craftsmanship.
Innovation
Avantcha is neither a traditional tea shop nor a conventional café—it is a hybrid experience. The interactive tea table shifts the customer journey from a transactional process to a sensory exploration.
A bold diagonal steel partition challenges conventional layouts, structuring the space while maintaining openness. This architectural approach redefines movement, enhancing both retail and hospitality functions without rigid separations.
Creativity
The design balances sharp contrasts—monochrome tones softened by tactile materials. Matte surfaces meet reflective metals, structured geometry contrasts with fluid fabric, and linear shelving is offset by circular displays. The linen chandelier introduces organic movement, juxtaposing the steel and stone elements.
This sculptural approach ensures that every fixture is more than functional; it is an integral part of the storytelling. Avantcha is a space where design becomes an experience.
Eco-Social Impact:
Designed for mindfulness, Avantcha encourages customers to slow down and engage with tea intentionally. Unlike fast-paced cafés, it fosters a meditative atmosphere, aligning with the cultural significance of tea.
Sustainability is embedded in the material selection—recyclable brushed steel, natural lava stone, and ethically sourced elements ensure longevity. Energy-efficient lighting, favoring natural daylight and warm LEDs, enhances both ambiance and product display.
Functionality
Every detail enhances user interaction. The layout naturally guides visitors from retail to café, while the circular tea table encourages exploration through touch and scent. The steel partition creates intimacy without enclosure, ensuring both privacy and openness.
Avantcha
XO Atelier
Silver
Silver

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Valeria Tsikhinia
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Blair Cooper
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A nice example of a multi- narrativ...
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Alvaro Paredes Palacios
Principal and Partner
at The Designlab
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Shelley Baxter
Design Director New York
at March and White
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8
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Arjun Malik
Principal Architect
at Malik Architecture
7
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Julião Leite
Partner
at OODA
7
7.5
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Peng Cai
Founder and Principal Architect
at Infinite
7
8
7.5
7
7.38

Lewis Lu
Head of Planning & Design Department
at Shenzhen Qianhai and Shekou Free Trade Zone Investment Development
6.5
8
7.5
7
7.25
Budiman Ong
Creative Director
at Ong Cen Kuang
7.5
8
7.5
6.5
7.38

Valeria Tsikhinia
Design Manager- Interior Design | Design & Development
at Al Futtaim Real Estate
7
8
7.5
7
7.38

Blair Cooper
Creative Director
at Seen Studios
6
7
7
6
6.5

Alvaro Paredes Palacios
Principal and Partner
at The Designlab
7.5
8
7.5
7
7.5
Shelley Baxter
Design Director New York
at March and White
7
8
7.5
7
7.38

Arjun Malik
Principal Architect
at Malik Architecture
7.5
8
7.5
7
7.5

Julião Leite
Partner
at OODA
7.5
8
7
6.5
7.25

Peng Cai
Founder and Principal Architect
at Infinite
7.5
8
7.5
7.5
7.63
Location
Designer
Client
Avantcha Cafe
Floor area
110 ㎡
Completion
2024
Budget
500.000,- Euro
Sanitary
Furniture