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FREQUENTly asked QUESTIONS

What is a Chashitsu?

A chashitsu is a traditional Japanese teahouse—a highly intentional architectural form refined over five centuries. It is a space where silence, design, and ritual converge. Every proportion, material, and detail is carefully calibrated to create a profound sense of stillness and presence.

Where do you build your teahouses?

We design and construct chashitsu for clients across Europe and globally. Regardless of your location, every project is designed in Japan in close collaboration with our Tokyo-based architectural studio to ensure absolute authenticity and quality.

What types of spaces do you design?

Our chashitsu projects generally take three forms:

Garden (Standalone): A dedicated structure set apart from the main building, reached by a roji (garden path). Ideal for private estates, hotels, and cultural venues.

Home (Conversions & Extensions): We transform existing rooms or build new extensions within period or contemporary properties, giving the room its own internal logic without disrupting the fabric of your home.

Commercial (Third Spaces): We create destination spaces for hotels, restaurants, galleries, and spas, working directly with clients or alongside interior designers and architects.

Are the materials and craftsmanship authentic?

Yes. All of our projects are rooted in authentic Japanese craftsmanship. For instance, all of our kigumi (traditional Japanese wood joinery fitted without nails) is prepared by specialists in Japan before being brought to your location.

Do I need a large garden to have a Chashitsu?

Not necessarily. While a standalone teahouse set within a garden is the most complete expression of the form, we also specialize in residential conversions. We can transform an existing room inside your home into a fully realized chashitsu.

How do we start a project with SALAS?

You can reach out to us via our contact page to schedule an initial consultation, where we will discuss your space, vision, and the architectural possibilities.

FREQUENTly asked QUESTIONS

What is a Chashitsu?

A chashitsu is a traditional Japanese teahouse—a highly intentional architectural form refined over five centuries. It is a space where silence, design, and ritual converge. Every proportion, material, and detail is carefully calibrated to create a profound sense of stillness and presence.

Where do you build your teahouses?

We design and construct chashitsu for clients across Europe and globally. Regardless of your location, every project is designed in Japan in close collaboration with our Tokyo-based architectural studio to ensure absolute authenticity and quality.

What types of spaces do you design?

Our chashitsu projects generally take three forms:

Garden (Standalone): A dedicated structure set apart from the main building, reached by a roji (garden path). Ideal for private estates, hotels, and cultural venues.

Home (Conversions & Extensions): We transform existing rooms or build new extensions within period or contemporary properties, giving the room its own internal logic without disrupting the fabric of your home.

Commercial (Third Spaces): We create destination spaces for hotels, restaurants, galleries, and spas, working directly with clients or alongside interior designers and architects.

Are the materials and craftsmanship authentic?

Yes. All of our projects are rooted in authentic Japanese craftsmanship. For instance, all of our kigumi (traditional Japanese wood joinery fitted without nails) is prepared by specialists in Japan before being brought to your location.

Do I need a large garden to have a Chashitsu?

Not necessarily. While a standalone teahouse set within a garden is the most complete expression of the form, we also specialize in residential conversions. We can transform an existing room inside your home into a fully realized chashitsu.

How do we start a project with SALAS?

You can reach out to us via our contact page to schedule an initial consultation, where we will discuss your space, vision, and the architectural possibilities.

Terms and Conditions

Last Updated: September 3, 2026

Welcome to SALAS (https://salas.ese.studio/), operated by GROUP ESE LTD ("we," "us," or "our"), a company registered in England and Wales, based in London.

By accessing or using our website, you agree to comply with and be bound by the following Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree with these terms, please do not use our website.

1. Intellectual Property

All content on this website, including but not limited to architectural designs, floor plans, photography, text, graphics, logos, and rendering images, is the exclusive property of GROUP ESE LTD or its content suppliers and is protected by UK and international copyright laws.

  • You may view and browse the website for personal, non-commercial purposes.

  • You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, transmit, or use any content from this site for commercial purposes or public display without our prior written consent.

  • The "SALAS" name and logo are trademarks of GROUP ESE LTD. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.

2. Services and Enquiries

The content on this website is provided for general informational purposes to showcase our chashitsu design and construction services.

  • Submitting a contact form, email, or inquiry through the website does not constitute a binding architectural, design, or construction contract.

  • All client projects are subject to a separate, formally executed written agreement between the client and GROUP ESE LTD outlining the specific scope of work, deliverables, and fees.

3. Data Collection and Privacy

We collect and maintain a database of basic personal information (such as names and email addresses) provided voluntarily by users who submit inquiries or communicate with us.

  • We process all personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

  • We will use your information solely to respond to your inquiries, provide requested information about our services, and maintain professional records.

  • We will never sell your personal information to third parties.

  • For full details on how we collect, store, and protect your data, as well as your rights regarding your personal information, please review our Privacy Policy.

4. Website Use and Conduct

You agree to use the website only for lawful purposes. You must not:

  • Use the website in any way that causes, or may cause, damage to the website or impairment of the availability or accessibility of the site.

  • Engage in any data mining, data harvesting, data extracting, or any other similar activity in relation to this website.

  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our servers, database, or any underlying code.

5. Limitation of Liability

While we strive to ensure that the information on this website is accurate and up to date, GROUP ESE LTD makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the website or the information contained on it.

  • We will not be liable for any indirect, consequential, or special liability arising out of or in any way related to your use of this website.

  • We do not guarantee that our site will be secure or free from bugs or viruses. You are responsible for configuring your information technology to access our site safely.

6. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not owned or controlled by GROUP ESE LTD. We have no control over, and assume no responsibility for, the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites.

7. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to revise these terms and conditions at any time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. By continuing to use the website after changes are made, you accept the revised terms.

8. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes relating to these terms and conditions will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

9. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact us at: Email: salas@ese.studio Company: GROUP ESE LTD, London, United Kingdom

Terms and Conditions

Last Updated: September 3, 2026

Welcome to SALAS (https://salas.ese.studio/), operated by GROUP ESE LTD ("we," "us," or "our"), a company registered in England and Wales, based in London.

By accessing or using our website, you agree to comply with and be bound by the following Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree with these terms, please do not use our website.

1. Intellectual Property

All content on this website, including but not limited to architectural designs, floor plans, photography, text, graphics, logos, and rendering images, is the exclusive property of GROUP ESE LTD or its content suppliers and is protected by UK and international copyright laws.

  • You may view and browse the website for personal, non-commercial purposes.

  • You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, transmit, or use any content from this site for commercial purposes or public display without our prior written consent.

  • The "SALAS" name and logo are trademarks of GROUP ESE LTD. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.

2. Services and Enquiries

The content on this website is provided for general informational purposes to showcase our chashitsu design and construction services.

  • Submitting a contact form, email, or inquiry through the website does not constitute a binding architectural, design, or construction contract.

  • All client projects are subject to a separate, formally executed written agreement between the client and GROUP ESE LTD outlining the specific scope of work, deliverables, and fees.

3. Data Collection and Privacy

We collect and maintain a database of basic personal information (such as names and email addresses) provided voluntarily by users who submit inquiries or communicate with us.

  • We process all personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

  • We will use your information solely to respond to your inquiries, provide requested information about our services, and maintain professional records.

  • We will never sell your personal information to third parties.

  • For full details on how we collect, store, and protect your data, as well as your rights regarding your personal information, please review our Privacy Policy.

4. Website Use and Conduct

You agree to use the website only for lawful purposes. You must not:

  • Use the website in any way that causes, or may cause, damage to the website or impairment of the availability or accessibility of the site.

  • Engage in any data mining, data harvesting, data extracting, or any other similar activity in relation to this website.

  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our servers, database, or any underlying code.

5. Limitation of Liability

While we strive to ensure that the information on this website is accurate and up to date, GROUP ESE LTD makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the website or the information contained on it.

  • We will not be liable for any indirect, consequential, or special liability arising out of or in any way related to your use of this website.

  • We do not guarantee that our site will be secure or free from bugs or viruses. You are responsible for configuring your information technology to access our site safely.

6. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not owned or controlled by GROUP ESE LTD. We have no control over, and assume no responsibility for, the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites.

7. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to revise these terms and conditions at any time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. By continuing to use the website after changes are made, you accept the revised terms.

8. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes relating to these terms and conditions will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

9. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact us at: Email: salas@ese.studio Company: GROUP ESE LTD, London, United Kingdom

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Hohjo-An 方丈庵

WAREHOUSE GALLERY CONVERSION

A compact chashitsu created within a vacant warehouse belonging to a gallery owner in Shinagawa.

The tea room is built around a three-tatami Kyoma layout with a corner hearth. A doma — a traditional compacted earth floor area — provides an informal seating space at a lower level. The mizuya was formed by removing a wall connecting the tea room to the existing kitchen, adapting it to a standing-height preparation area. Outside the tea room, a waiting area with a tsukubai is arranged in the open space of the warehouse.

Fittings and furnishings preserved from the owner's former home were reused throughout, giving a newly built space the atmosphere of one that has been lived in for years.

LOCATION: Shinagawa, Tokyo
USE: Commercial

Hohjo-An 方丈庵

WAREHOUSE GALLERY CONVERSION

A compact chashitsu created within a vacant warehouse belonging to a gallery owner in Shinagawa.

The tea room is built around a three-tatami Kyoma layout with a corner hearth. A doma — a traditional compacted earth floor area — provides an informal seating space at a lower level. The mizuya was formed by removing a wall connecting the tea room to the existing kitchen, adapting it to a standing-height preparation area. Outside the tea room, a waiting area with a tsukubai is arranged in the open space of the warehouse.

Fittings and furnishings preserved from the owner's former home were reused throughout, giving a newly built space the atmosphere of one that has been lived in for years.

LOCATION: Shinagawa, Tokyo
USE: Commercial

Toukoh-An 東籬庵

Private residence with integrated chashitsu

A full residential project in a quiet Meguro neighbourhood, designed around a formal chashitsu at its centre.

The sequence begins at the entrance: a two-tatami ante-room leads through a tatami corridor alongside an internal tea garden, arriving at the main tea room hall of eight tatami mats — one of the larger domestic chashitsu in the practice's portfolio. The private residence — living, dining, kitchen, and upper-floor bedrooms and bathrooms — is connected across the corridor, keeping the tea and living spaces distinct without separating them entirely.

The brief was to build a house in which a full chashitsu tradition could be practised, without sacrificing the requirements of a contemporary home.

LOCATION: Meguro, Tokyo
USE: Private
TOTAL FLOOR AREA: 141.58㎡

Toukoh-An 東籬庵

Private residence with integrated chashitsu

A full residential project in a quiet Meguro neighbourhood, designed around a formal chashitsu at its centre.

The sequence begins at the entrance: a two-tatami ante-room leads through a tatami corridor alongside an internal tea garden, arriving at the main tea room hall of eight tatami mats — one of the larger domestic chashitsu in the practice's portfolio. The private residence — living, dining, kitchen, and upper-floor bedrooms and bathrooms — is connected across the corridor, keeping the tea and living spaces distinct without separating them entirely.

The brief was to build a house in which a full chashitsu tradition could be practised, without sacrificing the requirements of a contemporary home.

LOCATION: Meguro, Tokyo
USE: Private
TOTAL FLOOR AREA: 141.58㎡

Kakyu-An 華久庵

Standalone teahouse

A three-tatami chashitsu with a full mizuya, designed as a standalone structure set apart from the main residence.

The layout is considered for flexibility: removing the sliding partitions between the tea room and mizuya opens a continuous space of approximately seven tatami mats, large enough for gatherings beyond the tea ceremony itself. The shoji screens open fully to the garden, allowing the tea room and the exterior to be used as one.

Construction combines hand-selected timber, chosen and worked by hand in the traditional manner, with modern methods of ensuring a solid structural foundation.

The garden was developed in close collaboration with a landscape architect, reusing the original stones, moss, and plum trees from the site to create a space that carries the history of what was already there

LOCATION: Minato-ku, Tokyo
USE: Private
TOTAL FLOOR AREA: 20.77㎡

Kakyu-An 華久庵

Standalone teahouse

A three-tatami chashitsu with a full mizuya, designed as a standalone structure set apart from the main residence.

The layout is considered for flexibility: removing the sliding partitions between the tea room and mizuya opens a continuous space of approximately seven tatami mats, large enough for gatherings beyond the tea ceremony itself. The shoji screens open fully to the garden, allowing the tea room and the exterior to be used as one.

Construction combines hand-selected timber, chosen and worked by hand in the traditional manner, with modern methods of ensuring a solid structural foundation.

The garden was developed in close collaboration with a landscape architect, reusing the original stones, moss, and plum trees from the site to create a space that carries the history of what was already there

LOCATION: Minato-ku, Tokyo
USE: Private
TOTAL FLOOR AREA: 20.77㎡

Chashitsu in Office

teahouse IN a corporate building

A chashitsu and meeting room built within a single floor of a high-rise office building — two interconnected spaces sharing a traditional thatched roof.

The tea room makes no concession to its setting. Despite being many floors above street level, the space achieves the atmosphere of a full traditional chashitsu — an unlikely but complete world within the fabric of a contemporary office building. The thatched roof, shared across both spaces, is the architectural gesture that makes this possible.

The project was conceived as a response to shifting ideas about how and where work happens — a space that brings a different quality of attention to the working day.

Chashitsu in Office

teahouse IN a corporate building

A chashitsu and meeting room built within a single floor of a high-rise office building — two interconnected spaces sharing a traditional thatched roof.

The tea room makes no concession to its setting. Despite being many floors above street level, the space achieves the atmosphere of a full traditional chashitsu — an unlikely but complete world within the fabric of a contemporary office building. The thatched roof, shared across both spaces, is the architectural gesture that makes this possible.

The project was conceived as a response to shifting ideas about how and where work happens — a space that brings a different quality of attention to the working day.

Tempura Arakawa
天ぷら あら川


Restaurant

Arakawa is a tempura restaurant with 45 years of history in Kita-ku, Tokyo. When the time came to move to a new space in Akabane, the owners wanted to carry that history with them.

The interior was built by the same craftsmen who construct chashitsu. Sugi pillars, solid oak counters, and a raised oval ceiling in gold leaf draw on the Edo-period aesthetic of the traditional Japanese room. Latticed rafters, sliding doors, and a tsukubai mark the entrance. Moveable partitions allow the dining room to be reconfigured by party size, with a private tatami room at the rear.

Materials from the original restaurant — floor pillars, garden stones, the signboard — were retained and reintegrated throughout.

LOCATION: Akabane, Tokyo
USE: Commercial

Tempura Arakawa
天ぷら あら川


Restaurant

Arakawa is a tempura restaurant with 45 years of history in Kita-ku, Tokyo. When the time came to move to a new space in Akabane, the owners wanted to carry that history with them.

The interior was built by the same craftsmen who construct chashitsu. Sugi pillars, solid oak counters, and a raised oval ceiling in gold leaf draw on the Edo-period aesthetic of the traditional Japanese room. Latticed rafters, sliding doors, and a tsukubai mark the entrance. Moveable partitions allow the dining room to be reconfigured by party size, with a private tatami room at the rear.

Materials from the original restaurant — floor pillars, garden stones, the signboard — were retained and reintegrated throughout.

LOCATION: Akabane, Tokyo
USE: Commercial

Matsubaya Saryo 松葉屋茶寮・方舟GALLERY

cafe/tea house

A single-tatami chashitsu built within a bonsai tea house and gallery, designed for one purpose: to sit with a bowl of matcha and the company of an ancient, magnificent bonsai.

The room contains everything a chashitsu requires, and nothing more. A tokonoma alcove, a tea shelf, a tatami seat and bench seating are arranged within a compact but complete space. The entrance is a sliding door designed in the manner of a nijiriguchi. The room is soundproofed to invite stillness.

LOCATION: Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo
USE: Commercial

Matsubaya Saryo 松葉屋茶寮・方舟GALLERY

cafe/tea house

A single-tatami chashitsu built within a bonsai tea house and gallery, designed for one purpose: to sit with a bowl of matcha and the company of an ancient, magnificent bonsai.

The room contains everything a chashitsu requires, and nothing more. A tokonoma alcove, a tea shelf, a tatami seat and bench seating are arranged within a compact but complete space. The entrance is a sliding door designed in the manner of a nijiriguchi. The room is soundproofed to invite stillness.

LOCATION: Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo
USE: Commercial

commercial
third space

For hotels, restaurants, galleries, spas, and cultural venues — a chashitsu as a destination in its own right. A space that slows guests down, sets you apart, and offers something no other interior can: a room that has been finetuned over centuries specifically to produce a particular quality of presence.

We work with architects, interior designers, and clients directly.

commercial
third space

For hotels, restaurants, galleries, spas, and cultural venues — a chashitsu as a destination in its own right. A space that slows guests down, sets you apart, and offers something no other interior can: a room that has been finetuned over centuries specifically to produce a particular quality of presence.

We work with architects, interior designers, and clients directly.

Home
residential conversions or extensions

An existing room, or a new extension, transformed into a chashitsu. The proportions, materials, and joinery are designed from scratch — the result is not a renovation but a new room with its own internal logic, sitting quietly within the fabric of a home.

Suitable for both period and contemporary properties.

Home
residential conversions or extensions

An existing room, or a new extension, transformed into a chashitsu. The proportions, materials, and joinery are designed from scratch — the result is not a renovation but a new room with its own internal logic, sitting quietly within the fabric of a home.

Suitable for both period and contemporary properties.

garden
standalone teahouse

A standalone structure, set apart from the main building — reached by a roji path through a considered landscape. The most complete expression of the form: its own threshold, its own silence, its own world. Built for private residences and estates where the garden can become part of the architecture itself.

Every project is designed in Japan and constructed to order.

garden
standalone teahouse

A standalone structure, set apart from the main building — reached by a roji path through a considered landscape. The most complete expression of the form: its own threshold, its own silence, its own world. Built for private residences and estates where the garden can become part of the architecture itself.

Every project is designed in Japan and constructed to order.

FREQUENTly asked QUESTIONS

What is a Chashitsu?

A chashitsu is a traditional Japanese teahouse—a highly intentional architectural form refined over five centuries. It is a space where silence, design, and ritual converge. Every proportion, material, and detail is carefully calibrated to create a profound sense of stillness and presence.

Where do you build your teahouses?

We design and construct chashitsu for clients across Europe and globally. Regardless of your location, every project is designed in Japan in close collaboration with our Tokyo-based architectural studio to ensure absolute authenticity and quality.

What types of spaces do you design?

Our chashitsu projects generally take three forms:

Garden (Standalone): A dedicated structure set apart from the main building, reached by a roji (garden path). Ideal for private estates, hotels, and cultural venues.

Home (Conversions & Extensions): We transform existing rooms or build new extensions within period or contemporary properties, giving the room its own internal logic without disrupting the fabric of your home.

Commercial (Third Spaces): We create destination spaces for hotels, restaurants, galleries, and spas, working directly with clients or alongside interior designers and architects.

Are the materials and craftsmanship authentic?

Yes. All of our projects are rooted in authentic Japanese craftsmanship. For instance, all of our kigumi (traditional Japanese wood joinery fitted without nails) is prepared by specialists in Japan before being brought to your location.

Do I need a large garden to have a Chashitsu?

Not necessarily. While a standalone teahouse set within a garden is the most complete expression of the form, we also specialize in residential conversions. We can transform an existing room inside your home into a fully realized chashitsu.

How do we start a project with SALAS?

You can reach out to us via our contact page to schedule an initial consultation, where we will discuss your space, vision, and the architectural possibilities.

FREQUENTly asked QUESTIONS

What is a Chashitsu?

A chashitsu is a traditional Japanese teahouse—a highly intentional architectural form refined over five centuries. It is a space where silence, design, and ritual converge. Every proportion, material, and detail is carefully calibrated to create a profound sense of stillness and presence.

Where do you build your teahouses?

We design and construct chashitsu for clients across Europe and globally. Regardless of your location, every project is designed in Japan in close collaboration with our Tokyo-based architectural studio to ensure absolute authenticity and quality.

What types of spaces do you design?

Our chashitsu projects generally take three forms:

Garden (Standalone): A dedicated structure set apart from the main building, reached by a roji (garden path). Ideal for private estates, hotels, and cultural venues.

Home (Conversions & Extensions): We transform existing rooms or build new extensions within period or contemporary properties, giving the room its own internal logic without disrupting the fabric of your home.

Commercial (Third Spaces): We create destination spaces for hotels, restaurants, galleries, and spas, working directly with clients or alongside interior designers and architects.

Are the materials and craftsmanship authentic?

Yes. All of our projects are rooted in authentic Japanese craftsmanship. For instance, all of our kigumi (traditional Japanese wood joinery fitted without nails) is prepared by specialists in Japan before being brought to your location.

Do I need a large garden to have a Chashitsu?

Not necessarily. While a standalone teahouse set within a garden is the most complete expression of the form, we also specialize in residential conversions. We can transform an existing room inside your home into a fully realized chashitsu.

How do we start a project with SALAS?

You can reach out to us via our contact page to schedule an initial consultation, where we will discuss your space, vision, and the architectural possibilities.

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by Studio ESE

E2 9AP

UK

T&C

© 2026 Studio eSe
All Rights Reserved

FAQs

email

IG

 

by Studio ESE

E2 9AP

UK

T&C

© 2026 Studio eSe
All Rights Reserved

FAQs

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