ministry of design‘s hutong-designed vue hotel in beijing comprises a series of quasi-historic buildings from the 1950’s, with a variety of architectural styles and approaches. although they were designed primarily in the chinese vernacular, the different buildings span a range of ornamentation from highly decorative roof eaves, characterful gargoyles, sculptured balconies and latticed window frames, to pared-back jack roofs and plain brick work wall finishes.

ministry of design's hutong-styled vue hotel comprises a series of quasi-historic buildings
each vue property is designed around a central narrative inspired by its locale or culture

 

 

ministry of design‘s approach is to unify this diverse collection through various colors and landscaping. the buildings are conceptually draped over with a dark charcoal grey coat of paint, upon which key architectural details have been highlighted in a contemporary gold patina. these featured elements shimmer against the dark backdrop and their prominence suggests an informal ‘cataloguing’ of important details. as guests explore the compound, this ‘catalogue’ of details gradually brings into focus the distinction between the historical versus the contemporary: a subtle juxtaposition, which emphasizes the rich tension arising from any adaptive reuse design.

ministry of design's hutong-styled vue hotel comprises a series of quasi-historic buildings
ministry of design’s buildings are conceptually draped over with a dark charcoal grey coat of paint, upon which key architectural details have been highlighted in a contemporary gold patina

 

 

conceptually, the design harnesses all the left-over spaces in-between each building, to tie the compound into a single holistic experience. these in-between spaces are treated graphically with an ‘ice-ray’ lattice pattern inspired by traditional chinese screens. treated three-dimensionally, hardscaped floors and passageways rise to become private balconies or garden enclosures.

ministry of design's hutong-styled vue hotel comprises a series of quasi-historic buildings
a typical corridor present in the hotel

 

 

upon arrival and enroute to the reception, the guest experience first begins at one of vue hotel’s social hubs: the FAB café and bakery. this casual and vibrant venue fronts the buzzy hutong main road where scenes of daily local life and culture can be witnessed. with both terrace alfresco as well as indoor seating, FAB is the perfect place for breakfast, a quick snack or a rousing cup of coffee. the interior design approach draws from characteristics of the street front in its use of materials and color accents. a wide range of seating nooks and furniture allows the FAB experience to feel varied and engaging.

ministry of design's hutong-styled vue hotel comprises a series of quasi-historic buildings
the courtyard suite incorporates elements of traditional chinese culture as well as contemporaneity

 

 

vue hotel’s signature restaurant and rooftop bar offers an extensive tapas sharing menu and cocktails/liquor selection. while approaching the pink rabbit adjacent to the courtyard, guests encounter a whimsical installation atop the building’s roof of 2 gigantic wireframe rabbits. the pink rabbit’s casual but sophisticated atmosphere plays itself out in the interior design. the exposed metal and wood trusses, open display kitchen, lounge style seating paired with a feature bar and DJ counter, contribute to the overall upbeat vibe.

ministry of design's hutong-styled vue hotel comprises a series of quasi-historic buildings
a deluxe room

ministry of design's hutong-styled vue hotel comprises a series of quasi-historic buildings
the courtyard suite offers unparalleled lake views

ministry of design's hutong-styled vue hotel comprises a series of quasi-historic buildings
the vue hotel immerses itself within the surrounding green environment

ministry of design's hutong-styled vue hotel comprises a series of quasi-historic buildings
the pink rabbit bar

 

 

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: lynn chaya | designboom