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Kengo Kuma & Associates
The Opposite House
Beijing, China
The “green glass box” expresses itself as the urban forest in the vibrant street scene of Sanlitun.
Photo © Michael Weber
The Opposite House is situated within the large commercial development along the Sanlitun Street in the center of Beijing. The name refers to the guest house which sits on the opposite side of a traditional Chinese courtyard house. It is also a name that suggests a place of contrast.
The exterior glass walls are imprinted with a green silk screen print, a modern interpretation of a Chinese lattice screen pattern, that acts as a veil for the guests staying at the hotel.
Photo © Michael Weber
The Opposite House is a vibrant mix of modern and traditional with all the spaces surrounding a large central atrium where yards of metallic mesh sweeps down from the ceiling to the lobby area.
Photo © Michael Weber
Photo © Michael Weber
With no actual reception desk the check-in area is located within a six meter tall acrylic apothecary unit, a play on traditional Chinese furniture, with more than 6,000 drawers.
Photo: arcspace
Photo: arcspace
The ground floor lobby doubles as a contemporary art gallery with changing exhibitions.
Photo: arcspace
Photo: arcspace
The Opposite House has 98 studio apartments and a two story penthouse with a large terrace. Clean, uncluttered design and natural wood, combined with king size beds and deep oak bathtubs, makes coming “home” after a busy day a great pleasure.
Photo © Michael Weber
Photo © Michael Weber
If you do not feel like going out you can have cocktails in the Mesh bar, then chose between Asian food at the Bei restaurant, wood-fired pizzas at Sureño, or a light meal in the Village Café and, if you are still awake, stop for a nightcap at Punk nightclub.
Photo © Michael Weber
The Mesh
Photo © Michael Weber
The Bei
Photo © Michael Weber
The Sureño
While staying at The Opposite House do not forget to have a swim in the 22 meter long steel clad swimming pool.
Photo © Michael Weber
Kengo Kuma Architects were also involved in the design of the whole Sanlitun Village project.
Drawing courtesy Kengo Kuma Architects
Site Plan
Drawing courtesy Kengo Kuma Architects
Ground Floor Plan
Drawing courtesy Kengo Kuma Architect
Typical Floor Plan
Site area: 4,548 square meters
Total floor area: 14,328 square meters
Completed: 2008
Client: Swire Properties
Architects: Kengo Kuma and Associates
Kengo Kuma
Yuki Ikeguchi
Jun ShibataJun
Florian Peine
Structural engineers: Arup Beijing
Mechanical engineers: China/Team
Lighting Design: Isometrix
Art Consultant: Alison Pickett
Photographed by Michael Weber
Kengo Kuma Architects arcspace features
March 15, 2010