Beijing Residence in Dongzhimen 8 designed by André Fu

André Fu embarks upon his first foray into the ultra-luxe market of Mainland China, and his first station to alight upon is Dongzhimen 8 in Beijing.

LED-ridden high-rises, neon signs, or a riot of sparkling colours, all the semblance of modernity are supposed to be entailed in the popular criteria used for assessing how developed a mega-city is. However, these iridescent delights could thin down a metropolis's genuine attractiveness, which boasts a duality of 'Modern vs. Historical,' and this city is Beijing.  

Its historic heritages arguably weigh much more in attractiveness than modernity does. They could be either regal or folkloric - The Forbidden City, Hutong valleys, the residues of ramparts and fortifications dating back three millennia - if you would feel like seeking more approachableness from this city, then these locales will not be missed. 

Crossing Cultures with Design indicates that André Fu has an inclination towards interlacing his designs with quality of locality. Investing the regional and cultural peculiarities with the design, for him, is a process of refinement, and redefinition as well. The city is alive, so designs.


Dongzhimen 8 is wrapped in a history envelope. Dongzhimen was the East Gate of the Beijing city fortifications which was a transportation node since the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) and now is a prosperous commercial hub in Beijing. Because of its 800-year history and notably 8 being auspicious in Chinese numerology, 8 becomes an integral part of Dongzhimen 8. In particular, Liangma River (1368 – now), sending off an aroma of ancient history, encompasses it, serving as an aquatic vista for the residence. Dongzhimen 8 can undo the rigid dichotomy between urbanity and hermitage. It cannot be uprooted itself from the urbanity though, so one side is the hectic street, and it can be a Peach Blossom Shangri-la in a peninsula, the verdant and tree Moors in a suave manner, then the other side, you could imagine, it is an ecosystem friendly zone.

Suffice it to say that consumerism was outdated and uncalled-for enough to be decoupled from the modern definition of luxury. André believes that extravagant luxury needs to be pared down. Furthermore, at the thought of Beijing's stunning history, he wants luxury to set in motion resonance with the account. In partnership with the developers, they endeavour to create a space that makes an ‘elbow room’ to renew luxury and enliven the history.

André includes mortise-and-tenon joints in the entire design. It is an oriental story to unfold. In stark comparison to brick-and-stone structures, wood texture is an enabler to lighten up the atmosphere redolent of the Chinese tradition. 
 Colours are the key. By utilizing balanced shades and brightness, André made various palettes release a sense of elegance and reservedness. Design is, practically speaking, not something of montage. It is more like interwoven stuff wherein cultural expressions, through a particular symbol of colours, more often than not, are enacting a crucial role to fortify the texture.

André does not implement an avant-garde design in Dongzhimen 8. He focuses much more on making coordination between elements. The residence is as genuinely individualistic as a person. Its personality basks in the reflected glory of the occupants and culture signs.

Born in Hong Kong and educated in England from the age of 14, André Fu holds a Bachelor of Arts at Cambridge University and a Masters in Architecture from the University of Cambridge. Fu credits his distinctive design style – a quietly thoughtful, carefully considered yet analytical approach marked by a highly refined aesthetic – to his peripatetic cultural upbringing.

He first redefined hospitality notions with his design of the world-renowned Upper House hotel in Hong Kong. His creations extend from a unique furniture collaboration with Louis Vuitton's Objets Nomades collection to contemporary art galleries in Hong Kong, Tokyo and Shanghai. With major hotels and restaurants around the world. Leading brands including Villa La Coste in Provence, The Berkeley London, Hong Kong's Upper House Hotel and St Regis, as well as Waldorf Astoria Bangkok.

Name: Dongzhimen 8 

Exterior design: gad 

Interior design: André Fu

Design team: DIA & AFSO

Landscape design: Zheng Shanfeng 

Location: Dongzhimen, Beijing, China

Copyright: Life Group

Design year: 2020