4SPACE Design

The Matcha Tokyo by 4SPACE is a contemporary interpretation of Japanese tea culture — calm, composed, and quietly radical in its restraint. Located within Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi, the project transforms a high-traffic retail unit into a minimalist sanctuary where ritual, wellness, and architectural clarity converge.

The client envisioned a space that would express the purity and discipline of matcha culture while remaining accessible to a broad, international audience. The brief called for a multifunctional environment capable of supporting both fast-paced takeaway service and immersive dine-in rituals, all while standing out within a visually saturated mall context.

At the core of the design is the idea of quiet transition. Guests are gently guided from the intensity of the mall into a sculpted, contemplative interior. A softly arched white façade introduces a ceremonial threshold, inspired by the traditional kiritsuma (gabled) Japanese roof. This gesture is abstracted rather than literal, setting the tone for a design language rooted in cultural essence rather than ornament.

Inside, the ceiling becomes the defining architectural element. A series of undulating wooden ribs reinterpret the layered geometry of traditional Japanese roofs, creating rhythmic movement overhead while evoking the breath-like cadence of tea rituals. Beneath this architectural canopy, a central bonsai tree positioned under a skylight forms the symbolic heart of the space — grounding the interior in nature, balance, and tradition.

The spatial composition unfolds with deliberate restraint. Curved oak counters soften circulation and open the matcha preparation ritual to view, transforming it into a quiet performance of care and precision. Verde Ming marble tables reflect the vibrant green tones of matcha, while banquette seating and intimate alcoves are cradled in warm, diffused lighting. Each element is placed with intention, encouraging pause rather than haste.

Materiality plays a central role in shaping the sensory experience. The palette is subdued yet tactile, composed of natural wood, stone, stainless steel, leather, and shoji-inspired textures. These materials reinforce the brand’s core values of wellness, authenticity, and calm clarity, engaging the senses without visual excess.

The layout supports a fluid journey through the space. Seating zones are designed to accommodate varying durations of stay — from communal benches that encourage connection to quieter niches for reflection. Despite its compact footprint, the café never feels rushed; instead, it invites guests to slow down and engage with the ritual of tea.

Execution presented several challenges. Creating a serene atmosphere within one of Abu Dhabi’s busiest malls required careful zoning, acoustic consideration, and controlled lighting. Balancing operational efficiency with ritual experience demanded precise planning of the counter flow and customer journey. Cultural authenticity was achieved without cliché by abstracting traditional Japanese architectural forms into contemporary expressions. Additionally, the execution of organic elements — from curved oak counters to the complex ceiling structure — required custom fabrication and close coordination to maintain design integrity within tight construction timelines.

All furniture within The Matcha Tokyo was custom-designed by 4SPACE to align seamlessly with the architectural narrative. Dining tables feature polished Verde Ming marble tops with rounded profiles, supported by solid wood bases accented with subtle stainless steel details. Chairs combine natural wood frames with tan leather upholstery, offering comfort through minimalist, ergonomic forms. Banquette seating is fully integrated into the architectural shell, echoing the fluid geometry of the ceiling while providing privacy and warmth.

More than a café, The Matcha Tokyo is an exercise in architectural mindfulness. It respects tradition without imitation and redefines minimalism as something sensory, layered, and deeply human — a space that does not merely serve matcha, but offers a moment of stillness within the rhythm of everyday life.

Designers: 4SPACE
Location: Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi