Ciguë, a renowned French design firm, has masterfully reimagined a historic structure on Bond Street in Manhattan, transforming it into the flagship establishment for 12 Matcha. The design intricately weaves together the building's storied past with a fresh, contemporary vision, creating a distinctive experience across its two levels. This innovative approach to interior design not only respects the architectural heritage but also pioneers a new aesthetic for a modern tea house in the heart of New York City, blending functionality with artistic expression.<\/p>\n
An Architectural Fusion: 12 Matcha's New Manhattan Flagship<\/h2>\n
In a striking development on August 6, 2025, French design powerhouse Ciguë unveiled its latest triumph: the flagship location for 12 Matcha, nestled within a venerable 1870s cast-iron façade at 54 Bond Street in the vibrant NoHo district of New York City. This ambitious project spans two distinct levels, offering patrons a diverse array of environments within a single, cohesive space. The ground floor warmly welcomes visitors with an expansive service bar and ordering zone, designed for seamless interaction. Descending to the lower level reveals a more intimate setting, complete with a secluded seating lounge and a specialized tasting room, providing a tranquil escape from the urban bustle.<\/p>\n
Ciguë's design philosophy for 12 Matcha thoughtfully preserves the building's historical essence. Original Douglas fir floorboards, silently bearing witness to a past life as a bank and then a theater, have been meticulously retained, serving as a grounding element for the modern interior. This reverence for history anchors the contemporary matcha experience firmly in Manhattan's rich architectural narrative.<\/p>\n
The material palette chosen for the interior is a study in harmonious contrasts, artfully balancing the raw character of urban elements with the inviting warmth of organic textures. Walls, enveloped in a soothing green-toned clay, evoke the serene landscapes of verdant tea fields, infusing the space with a sense of calm and natural beauty. A striking dark green-enameled lava stone bar stands as a focal point on the ground level, its robust presence complementing the delicate artistry of matcha preparation. A captivating feature is the trio of oversized glass vessels filled with Japanese Binchotan charcoal, strategically placed to reveal the water filtration process. This functional necessity is elevated to a sculptural art form, emphasizing purity and precision. Custom-designed furnishings throughout the cafe showcase a sophisticated blend of hand-applied green lacquer, sleek brushed stainless steel shelving, and minimalist concrete surfaces. Each element is carefully selected to reflect matcha's inherent ritualistic purity, further enhancing the café's commitment to a holistic sensory experience.<\/p>\n
The interior's narrative is further enriched by Ciguë's deliberate division of moods between the two floors. The upstairs exudes an open and luminous ambiance, flooded with natural light, fostering a sense of community and vibrancy. In stark contrast, the lower floor embraces a more intimate and atmospheric setting, perfect for contemplative moments. Slatted window shades ingeniously filter the incoming natural light, creating a serene, dappled effect reminiscent of sun-drenched Japanese tea fields. A graceful walnut staircase guides guests to the subterranean tasting lab, a dedicated space for deeper appreciation of matcha. Here, an oval light fixture casts a gentle glow, illuminating an enamel-stone table framed by elegant steel bar chairs, inviting an immersive and reflective tasting journey.<\/p>\n
The meticulous attention to detail in Ciguë's design for 12 Matcha's flagship location serves as a powerful reminder of how thoughtful architecture and interior design can transform a commercial space into a cultural haven. It challenges us to consider the narrative embedded within our built environments, demonstrating how history and modernity can coexist and enrich one another. As a patron, one is not merely visiting a cafe but stepping into a carefully curated experience that stimulates all senses, offering a moment of tranquility and appreciation in the bustling city.<\/p>