A handcrafted Japanese tea space blending tradition and community.

Nikken Sekkei in collaboration with Sobokuya presents Chatai, a pop-up pavilion that introduces the essence of Japanese culture through design, craftsmanship and hospitality. The installation draws inspiration from two familiar typologies: the Chashitsu, or traditional tea room, and the Yatai, the casual street-side stall found in neighbourhoods across Japan. By combining these forms, Chatai creates a space where people can naturally gather and engage in meaningful interaction.

Sobokuya manages every stage of production, handcrafting wooden structures in line with centuries-old Japanese woodworking traditions. The installation’s atmosphere is enhanced through collaborations with Japanese partners such as Panasonic, for lighting, and Hiroshima Tatamiya, for tatami materials, as well as UAE-based Abjad, for display and graphic design.

The result is a space that embodies calmness and welcome offering visitors the chance to experience hospitality through simplicity and craft.

About Nikken Sekkei & Sobokuya:

Nikken Sekkei is one of Japan’s leading multidisciplinary design firms with a legacy of delivering innovative architecture and design worldwide. The Dubai studio continues this tradition, specialising in bespoke high-end residential and hospitality projects that balance cultural sensitivity with future-focused solutions. With over 35 years of presence in the Middle East, Nikken Sekkei has established itself as a trusted partner in creating award-winning architecture.

In collaboration with Sobokuya, a Japanese studio known for handcrafting wooden structures using centuries-old woodworking traditions, they bring together global design expertise and artisanal craftsmanship. Guided by Japanese roots, a respect for nature and a commitment to sustainability, the studio integrates local contexts with global design excellence.