Union

Bar & Lounge

Beijing

China

Bar & Lounge

About

Union, located in The Opposite House in Beijing, evokes 20th century modernism with a global twist. The Opposite House resides in the Sanlitun district, known as the heart of Beijing’s diplomatic community, which has become the preferred neighborhood for socializing, private gatherings and social clubs.

With that in mind, and in addition to the strong contemporary art focus the House Collective has, the space and name were inspired by Lucie Rie, a 20th century modernist potter, who used her studio not just as a workspace, but also as a versatile social club and salon – a place to gather, meet, exchange and unite. Union aims to provide the simple elegance of a well-executed hospitality experience where whimsy and beauty are combined with a strategic layout and methodical organization to promote easy flow. Channeling the myriad of international expos, architectural frames made of unadorned, yet beautiful materials showcase artwork, sculptures, and objects, drawing in and engaging guests while allowing the space to evolve through the passage of time.

Sleeper AHEAD Asia Awards

Best Bar, Club, Lounge finalist

LOCATION

Beijing

China

Size

3,875 ft² / 360 m²

Studio Society

Our muse, British Potter Lucie Rie, whose work has been described as cosmopolitan, often hosted salons in her studio, and was famously known for offering teas, cakes, and intellectual conversation. Her beautiful wooden studio is surrounded by shelves of provocative works. We imagine a secret society of politicians, writers, poets, and musicians would gather here for a taste of freedom from social and political constraints. We take this one step further and layer in a more global perspective, finding inspiration in The Paris Expo of 1925, where many ideas of the international avant-garde in the fields of architecture and applied arts were presented for the first time.

Open Gallery

Lucie Rie in her studio

Social Flow

Furniture is placed to echo the social clubs of the past. Each crafted piece is curated to be casual and comfortable, yet elegant with the right balance of color and texture.

The Expo Wall mesh structure is designed with multiple functions in mind and plays the role of a practical barrier from hotel reception, an exposition for artwork and objects as well as serving as the operational backbone of the venue.

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Beijing Modernism

AvroKO’s custom designed lighting taps into 20th century modernism with its experimental shape, form, and material. The furniture echoes the social clubs of the past – casual and comfortable yet elegant with the right balance of color and texture. Massive screens of brass bar and rod envelope the space, at once allowing for enough visibility to the active square beyond, while also providing a sense of security and place for the inhabitants within.

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"A suitably soigne setting."

Wallpaper*

Open Gallery

To See or Not To See

Embracing the idea of the studio, the unity of the long, expansive space was maintained with a main protagonist – a linear bar and communal table at the center anchored by eclectic lounge areas at both ends. The bar is designed to transform from day to night. This dramatic transition illustrates the flexible work-to-play sensibility and features hidden elements such as a mini bar cart, herb wall, spice rack, transformable liquor wall, and integrated DJ booth. A semi-private dining area is surrounded by an unadorned metal mesh screen that makes a clear distinction between different social zones, creating the feeling of a private or even secret space.

A series of metal mesh and brass rod screens delineate distinct social zones. The pill-shaped cutouts align as one crosses the thresholds, creating a notably satisfying effect.