The Opposite House, recently named the #1 hotel in China in Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards, is relaunching following the completion of an extensive renovation of its public spaces, restaurants and guest rooms. The first hotel under The House Collective brand by Swire Hotels, located in Beijing's hip neighborhood of Sanlitun, has drawn inspiration from the city's electric creative energy for its renovations that encompass design, art and culture. With a collection of new restaurants and social spaces, the redesign makes The House Collective's "House of Art" into a dynamic and inspiring destination that tastemakers will appreciate from every angle.
Design
Imagined as a contemporary art gallery, The Opposite House was originally designed by acclaimed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma in 2008. Its now-iconic emerald green glass exterior reflects the hotel's setting in Taikoo Li Sanlitun and inside, the airy atrium presents its signature rotating art exhibitions under monumental drapes that create a screen of light. The House's new experience begins with Kengo Kuma's "Origami" installation, which serves as the lobby's new reception wall. Kengo applied Tyvek, a translucent synthetic textile resembling hand-made paper, to create a screen of light with organic texture and shades.
In the refreshed guest rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows open onto lush views of the leafy surrounds and neighboring Taikoo Li complex. Transparent partitions maximize space while lending a modern touch to the rooms for a contemporary feel. Beijing-inspired décor complete the artistic ambiance.
"We are very excited about the relaunch of our House," said Olivier Dumonceaux, General Manager of The Opposite House. "As a space where art comes to life, The Opposite House has always been driven by the fusion of design, creativity and culture. With the art installations and pop-ups alongside new restaurant and bar concepts, we believe that our House is a true lifestyle destination with unique experiences for every guest."
Art
At The Opposite House, guests can immerse themselves in art everywhere. Whether it's the House's collaboration with contemporary artists, or its curation of works, or even simply a cocktail - art can be appreciated from every angle. Each season, The Opposite House presents a different series of artworks, offering guests fresh cultural insights into the world of contemporary art. The House Collective's biennial art program in 2019, 'Encounters Across Cultures: Seeds of Life', featured multidisciplinary artist Katja Loher, who collaborated with local artists and choreographers to create 'Videoplanets' of the Five Elements for a floating installation in the Atrium. This year, 'Encounters Across Cultures' returns, where contemporary dancer Yu Jinying and Li Xinmeng have joined forces to create an interactive art installation across space and time that explores The Opposite House's architecture.
As the "House of Art", The Opposite House is a destination for the capital's culture makers. Blending fashion and art, The House features buzzed-about happenings from fashionable high tea that takes inspiration from the designers' creation to pop-up stores featuring sought-after luxury brands. And almost as though an haute couture runway, Superfly, Union and the lobby's Atrium inspire photos from The House's worldly guests.
"Whether collaborating with artists to bring the 'Encounters Across Cultures' art program or hosting special events with fashion brands, it's always exciting to partner with artists and brands to create more unique experiences for our guests," said Ami Tsou, Director of Communications & Marketing of The Opposite House.
Culture
The Opposite House is set in the bustling Sanlitun, drawing on the area's creative energy and mélange of cultures. At Superfly, vintage vibes, Chinese pop culture and Sichuan's street culture collide. At Michelin-starred Jing Yaa Tang, Chef Li Dong explores the parallels and juxtapositions of traditional and modern Chinese cuisine. Union takes inspiration from the ancient Silk Road for an array of flavors from China to the Mediterranean. And Frasca celebrates traditional Mediterranean cuisine and the authentic flavors of Italy, rounding out the House's global culinary offerings. "Jing Yaa Tang, Superfly, Frasca and Union are each our tribute to the past and the present, and cultures within and outside of China," said Will Gao, Manager of Union. "Besides focusing on creative experiments on classic cocktail recipes, we also love to infuse fresh ideas which is why we often invite renowned bartenders from different cities as guest bartenders at Union."
The Opposite House Experience
In the heart of Sanlitun, stepping off Beijing's bustling city streets and into The Opposite House is like setting foot in an urban oasis. A space designed for peaceful moments inspired by nature, guests can brush their hands against bamboo trees, swim under the "stars" and discover their inner self at poolside yoga. Every step of the stay, from check-in to check-out, the House's attentive team assure guests enjoy quality and personalized experience. As Guest Experience team leader Jessica Ju explains: "Our team always strives to provide guests with personalized and high-quality services. We hope to offer new experiences to every guest for a true sense of leisure and relaxation."
