introlemons is a tea beverage brand committed to natural, eco-friendly, and sustainable practices. Our design for their Xintiandi Flagship Store embodies these values, offering not just lemon tea but a sustainable lifestyle in a bustling metropolis. This project marks the second store we have designed for introlemons, and we are thrilled to be part of their growth.
Nestled in a serene corner of southern Xintiandi, the store spans 80 square meters with a wide entrance that narrows into an irregular fan shape. Despite the spatial challenges, we have transformed the space into a unique tea experience.
An open facade and one big central table that organizes, serves, assembles, and lets people gather around, create an inviting and seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
In line with our commitment to sustainable design, we used reclaimed wood to create the hoarding during construction, which was then repurposed to craft all the store's furniture and a large, sculptural lemon tree outside. The tree, adorned with giant lemon lamps, becomes a focal point in the public space, surrounded by outdoor seating and fresh lemon trees that infuse the air with natural fragrance, creating a pocket park that invites passersby to pause and enjoy a drink under its shade. This approach not only highlights our dedication to resourcefulness but also reflects introlemons' mission of sustainability, transforming materials that might otherwise have been discarded into key elements of the store's design.
Inside, the "park" atmosphere continues, with a large stone central operating table paired with seating, allowing customers to enjoy the lemon aroma, watch the handmade lemon tea preparation, and taste the tea. The interior walls are crafted from organic soil mixed with small stones and straw, and the display boards, shelves, and props are made from the same reclaimed wood, reinforcing the store's sustainable ethos in every detail.
Today, introlemons is a vibrant and bustling spot, exemplifying our ongoing efforts to activate streets, spaces, and cities. We are proud to have successfully transformed this once quiet corner into a lively hub of sustainable living and design.