UPM-Biofore-Magazine-1-2017-ENG

TEXT SAARA PAKARINEN   PHOTOGRAPHY HU YI FAN

Echoes of Taihu stone

T aihu (Tai in Chinese gardens ever since the Tang

sense of earthiness. UPMGrada is a sustainablematerial that combines efficient industrial manufacturing with an evocative, organic appearance,” states the designer.

Lake) stones have been admired

dynasty. The beautiful stones have a unique appearance produced by years of water and wave erosion. Taihu stones are often placed in key locations in classical gardens, and their porous beauty has been immortalised by countless artists, poets, and writers throughout the course of history. Chinese designer Mo Jiao drew inspiration from the exquisite shapes of Taihu stones when she created the Taihu Stone Shelf, a decorative wooden shelf that doubles as a delicate work of art in its own right. The shelf is made of UPM Grada® thermoformable woodmaterial, which adds character and a natural feel to the immaculate, airy piece. “The Taihu Stone Shelf is made purely fromnatural material to give it a lively

Mo Jiao

Sipping tea in a design oasis

The striking space combined the serene mood of a traditional Chinese tea ceremony with a fresh, modern look inspired by nature. Tea Ceremony master Zhang Xi.

S hanghai’s bustling and Shanghai @Xintiandi Design Festival held last inMarch 2017. UPM teamed up with the faculty and students of Tongji University’s College of Design and Innovation to create a serene and tranquil exhibit for the event: the Biofore Tea House. The bright yet slightly mysterious space delighted visitors at Xintiandi StyleMall. The entrance to the tea house was via the narrowest part of the ten-metre-long structure, where the mesh patterns of the walls also grew fashionable Xintiandi district is the hub of countless trendy events such as the Design

denser. Further into the tea house, the room became lighter andmore spacious. The distinctive architecture created a fantastic interplay of light and shadow, offering an urban tea experience that was both visually and spiritually refreshing. The designers utilised UPM’s materials with imagination and skill. The framework and decorative skin were made fromdurableWISA® plywood, while the main walls were made from environmentally sound UPMGrada® thermoformable wood material, which can be shaped by applying heat. The modern UPM ProFi® composite decking material

was made from recycled rawmaterials. The striking space combined the serene mood of a traditional Chinese tea ceremony with a fresh, modern look inspired by nature. The innovative use of sustainable, recyclable biomaterials also aligns perfectly with UPM’s Biofore vision. The relaxing tea house was an oasis of peace and calm in the heart of the bustling city, offering visitors a moment of soothing contemplation. During the Design Shanghai event, UPMalso hosted tea ceremonies for its key stakeholders in this one-of-a- kind oasis blending ancient tradition andmodern design.

Biofore Tea House delighted visitors during the Design Shanghai event in March. The peaceful and harmonious space blended ancient Chinese tea traditions with modern design, showcasing the most imaginative uses of UPM’s design materials.

Design: Mo Jiao (2017) Material: UPM Grada 10 mm Size: 90 x 40 cm, height: 150 cm

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