Beijing’s The Opposite House, located in the heart of bustling Sanlitun, has reopened with new experiences at its public spaces as well as dining and bar venues.

Originally designed by acclaimed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, in 2008, The Opposite House was the first House of The House Collective by Swire Hotels, a group of refined, highly individual properties, each with its own distinctive character.

Standing as the brand’s “House of Art,” the reimagined spaces at The Opposite House offer guests an urban sanctuary blending bold contemporary art with Chinese traditions that draw inspiration from Beijing’s creative energy, complementing to Sanlitun’s lifestyle hot spot and fashionable atmosphere.

The House’s redesign blends contemporary art with present-day culture, from the new lobby concept to three new dining and bar venues as well as an immersive gallery space.

Past guests will notice the addition of Kengo Kuma’s “Origami” installation in the lobby area, which serves as the new reception wall and a beacon of light. Based on a lightweight suspension structure made of acrylic plates and metal frames to maximize light transmission. Kengo applied Tyvek, a translucent synthetic textile resembling hand-made paper, to create a screen of light with organic texture and shades.

The redesigned lobby space also includes the Atrium, which acts as a gallery space. The House curates new installations throughout the year, displaying works from talented Chinese and international artists.

Other additions include Union, a modern-day salon and bar concept, invites guests to exchange ideas over craft cocktails inspired by the ancient Silk Road. Designed by critically acclaimed design firm AvroKO, the sleek new bar embodies the spirit of 1920’s modernism, showcasing artwork and objects reminiscent of International Expos with copper architectural frames and metal mesh sheets. Taking inspiration from the ancient Silk Road, Union serves up a diversity of crafted cocktails that combine an array of flavours from China to the Mediterranean. Hidden elements such as a mini bar cart, the copper Expo wall display at the main bar, and DJ booths enable a seamless transition from day to night.

There’s also Jing Yaa Tang, Chef Li Dong’s Michelin-starred masterpiece, which reflects the connection between traditional and modern Chinese cuisine, while Superfly, the new casual Sichuan bar and restaurant, features vibrant interiors inspired by local street culture and pop art, which is juxtaposed by Frasca, a sleek trattoria serving Italian classics by chef Marino D’Antonio. Created to serve as an everyday hangout for culture makers, the venue is a creative spin on Sichuan’s buzzed-about “Fly restaurants” – casual eateries known for their delicious specialties – and pairs dishes with specialty craft beers made with locally sourced ingredients through a partnership with renowned Beijing craft brewery Great Leap Brewing.

Finally, The Opposite House has tapped Chef Marino D’Antonio to bring hearty regional Italian cuisine to Beijing with the opening of Frasca. Celebrating the rich, authentic flavours of Italy in the heart of China, Frasca sources ingredients with the utmost care to delight diners.

“Each House within The House Collective portfolio tells its own story through their unique architecture, design, art, and cuisine,” says Dean Winter, Managing Director for Swire Hotels. “In Beijing, we’ve reimagined this concept for The Opposite House and curated a new experience, allowing us to further emphasize the property’s standing as a contemporary art gallery while also introducing a more vibrant selection of not only art, but local and international cuisine.”

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