The Opposite House in Beijing Shows Off Renovations

When it first opened in 2009, The Opposite House Beijing was the first property for Swire Hotels, now a collection of unique urban addresses in mainland China, Hong Kong, and the United States (East Miami opened in 2016). The group enlisted Kengo Kuma, the renowned Japanese architect who’s now designing the stadium for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, to create the striking, minimalist interiors for the boutique, 99-room hotel in the Chinese capital. A decade later, The Opposite House Beijing is unveiling a makeover as part of extensive hotel renovations.

In August, The Opposite House launched the Union Bar as a new city hot spot. It was conceived by the New York-based design group AvroKO with a 20th-century modernist vibe. High ceilings, glass walls, copper and wood decorating the large space, and designed for easy movement and socializing while DJs spin the soundtrack. The menu takes its cue from the ancient Silk Road; cocktails include the Genghis Khan Martini, made with French Gin, Mongolia Milk Wine, Dry Vermouth, Elderflower, Coconut and Sea Salt.

Now, the hotel is showing off a new reception area with wow factor. Kengo Kuma has followed the original design of the hotel in updating the lobby’s look. The pièce de résistance is the large, undulating origami structure installed at the center of the atrium. Glowing at night, this sculptural piece illuminates the room. Indeed the hotel is known for its contemporary artwork on display in the hotel through The House Collective’s Art Program. Art installations change on a quarterly basis. Kengo Kumo’s new lobby masterpiece is a reflection of this commitment to the Chinese art scene.

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