A year after the completion of Büro Ole Scheeren’s Guardian Art Center (the new headquarters of China Guardian Auctions) in Beijing, the building’s long-expected hotel tenant has finally been unveiled.
Located on the edge of the historic Forbidden City, not far from the National Art Museum of China and the Wanfujing shopping belt, The PuXuan Hotel and Spa – the fifth property from Urban Resort Concepts – is the work of Shanghai-based MQ-studio who capitalised on the building’s layered structure of interconnecting cuboids; The inner courtyard has been turned into a communal sky garden in a poetic tribute to hutong architecture, while at the same time, a series of balconies have been created on different levels, each with a distinct view to the very heart of the city.
An interior that balances past and present has been fashioned with a combination of wood-crafted and artisanal furniture by home-grown brand Shang Xia; antique and contemporary art pieces; five pairs of ‘menduns’ (door posts) that stand at the entrance; and a landscape painting by acclaimed painter Qiu Deshu that takes centre stage.
As a facilitator between global collectors and the auction house, PuXuan houseguests can check in and out round the clock; a private TV channel is available for proxy bidding; and a unique feature has been installed in the 92 guestrooms – a safe large enough to contain a few small artworks. The heritage and innovation of Chinese culture are channelled through all the senses, from the ancient healing techniques used at the UR Spa and bespoke treatments offered by organic certificated tea cosmetic brand Cha Ling to the Cantonese cuisine served up at Fu Chun Ju restaurant and the hotel’s distinctive celebrations of China’s famous beverage in the Tea Room. §
