Ôpartment

Brief

The inception of Ôpartment, a distinguished apartment brand, commenced with the refurbishment of a historic edifice located at 90 Xizang Middle Road (formerly Far Eastern Hotel) in Shanghai's bustling Huangpu District. In 2023, it marked the centenary of this venerable building standing proudly in Shanghai.



Appearance

In the initial phase of renovating the building's facade, our foremost objective was to revive its original allure and character. With meticulous care, we removed derelict fixtures and cluttered advertisements, rectifying the excessive and incongruous decorations. Reinstating the wall colors reminiscent of the Bund's elegance, redesigning the entrance for visual harmony, and collaborating with the property owner to enhance the street plan aimed to rekindle the building's former splendor.



Impression

Each space carries a story, and every building holds a piece of history. The black-and-white photograph of the Far Eastern Hotel, captured just after its opening a century ago, was our initial encounter with the project. By infusing the space with colors that symbolize memories, we anticipate new stories to inject vibrancy. The lobby's dome now evokes the visual sensation of silk billowing in the wind. The walls, once adorned with aged red bricks, now feature contemporary glass bricks, signifying rebirth while paying homage to the past. The overall space planning concept embodies our hope and vision for the next century.



Lobby

The space doesn't have a traditional formal lobby; it feels more like a living room for hosting friends. Conversations with friends don't feel rushed because the service desk is positioned towards the back, leaving the area open for guests. While waiting for the elevator, guests can also browse the cabinet on the left, which showcases a rotating selection of Ôpartment's seasonal products.



Aura

As the former Far Eastern Hotel, later repurposed into office spaces and restaurants, the building's interior was a chaos. Consequently, during the renovation, our goal was not to preserve particular elements but to recreate the essence of this historic structure as conveyed in historical records. The tall ceilings, symmetrical layout, double doors, decorative vents, and carved door panels all pay homage to classic French architecture, serving as a link between the past and the present.



Corridor

The guest room corridors, with their resemblance to the immediate visual of a train carriage, evoke a sense of continuity, like a thread connecting vehicles from different eras and bridging memories of the past with stories of the present. Ôpartment goes beyond providing living spaces; it embodies a fusion of lifestyle and taste. Every touchable space is intricately designed to reflect the brand's essence in its smallest details.



Details

The space is filled with interesting details. Each residence features a small doorplate with the address "90 Xizang Middle Road," and the butlers' thoughtful reminders and holiday cards can be placed on the small table near the door without disturbing the guests. The informational signs for cleaning services or privacy requests are like small wall decorations in a home. Even the essential safety features, such as the floor escape diagrams, are designed to be unobtrusive, providing a sense of safety without creating a feeling of intrusion. Every aspect is crafted to ensure that every guest experiences a warm and comfortable living space.



Rooms

The exceptional geographical location creates breathtaking terrace views. While the terrace's iron railing shows signs of weathering, its preserve the appearance of the Far Eastern Hotel from a century ago. Throughout the space, details like the ceiling's curvature, the linear panel design, the decorative motifs on doors and vents, the baseboards, and the floor patterns all harmonize with Ôpartment's brand elements. While the design elements are understated, they complement the environment, and all the spatial frameworks pay tribute to classic French design.



Aesthetic

In both guest rooms and suites, our aim is to redefine guests' perception of "luxury." Luxury is no longer merely about expensive decorations; it should now represent a blend of taste and lifestyle, reflecting contemporary aesthetic expectations and Shanghai's unique character.



Liking to come home

We hope that whether our guests are future residents or simply passing through, they will become practitioners of living aesthetics and refined taste, allowing the feeling of "coming home" to begin with a love for the home environment.