CCD shapes beijing's intercontinental hotel interior with avant-garde tones

hong kong based cheng chung design (CCD) completes the striking interiors of the ‘new yuppies’ intercontinental hotel in beijing, sanlitun. the term ‘yuppies’ is typically defined as a young and fashionable middle-class worker living in the city and generally styled in monochrome colors. this project, however, completely shifts to brighter tones such as gemstone blue — which evokes an avant-garde spirit of future and technology. 

new yuppies intercontinental beijing hotel 
all images © CCD 

for the design concept, CCD has borrowed the hexagonal diamond shape of the intercontinental building façade. by analyzing the formation of this precious stone, which results from a constant refining, the hotel interior adopts those diamond-cutting characteristics — a pattern quite visible in the architectural plan and every elevation profile. ‘each detail is a story; a stylish and avant-garde space scene is created by the atmosphere of lighting, stylish furniture and exquisite artworks’, explains the studio. 

the interior is in line with the architectural design and makes full use of the existing building features to create a convenient, high-end and comfortable setting. for example, the structural column is combined with a custom-made arc sofa, forming virtual spaces with the partition and sinking ceiling. that way, different functional zones become independent, while maintaining a magnificent sense of the grand circulation. 

the architectural layout of the lobby is long and narrow, with a short spatial depth. this existing condition pushed CCD to break the traditional design techniques and adopt the style of a fashion boutique store for the reception area. the zones are separated by using screen and shelves made of custom glass and crystal, offering different sceneries along the narrow lobby area. another eye-catching feature in the lobby is the plant wall, designed by the same method of diamond cutting and patchwork; the green plants are strategically scattered to reflect vigor and vitality. the bar area continues the treatment of diamond cutting, where a luminous art installation gives the impression of pouring itselft unto guests. 

five restaurants are distributed on the third floor, with different cuisines and moods for guests to choose from. upon entering, visitors are welcomed by the top tapas restaurant and bar decorated with red hues and cooper pipe partitions that reflect the spanish flair. on the other hand, the ying japanese restaurant is surrounded by the chinese branch — brushed in the striking ‘Hermès orange’ tone. opposing it, the chair dining room & lounge is a steak house with an open industrial style facing the sanlitun bar street. sitting in the lounge at night an atmosphere of ardency and tranquility takes over. 

one of the most unique design features is the circular layout of the rooms, making the original 45 sq.m guest room more artistic, avant-garde and open. even more, the executive lounge on the 22nd floor is shaped with bright and elegant color contrasts that awaken the yuppies spirit: it becomes an ideal venue for a private party. the design of the presidential suite finally extends the concept of a fashion boutique store, with DIOR’s representative gold and white applied to the walls, screen, lamp and so on. some artworks which are exclusively customized for the hotel are based on its artistic culture, with main materials like paper, steel and wood.

project info:

project name: intercontinental beijing sanlitun
design company: CCD/ cheng chung design (HK)
main designer: joe cheng

period: may 2014 – february 2015
completion time : august 2016
location: no. 1 sanlitun , beijing
area: 30,000 sq.m
main materials: resin board, paint board, stone, bronze, leather, cloth

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom