Nestled within the storied confines of Beijing’s Wangfujing area, renowned for its royal mansions and sweet water wells, Aesop WF CENTRAL House 19 marks our first foray into China’s capital. Conceived in collaboration with atelier suasua within a siheyuan—a traditional Chinese courtyard residence—the design honours the historical structure of House 19, which is a replica of the residences once owned by a cousin of the Qing dynasty’s last emperor, Puyi. The interiors are populated with classical Ming dynasty furniture and contemporary elements, while the outdoor space takes its cue from the ancient practice of creating shaded, communal spaces for respite from summer heat.
Stepping through the grand gateway, guests enter the expansive courtyard beneath fluttering silk, where the classic pergola is reimagined as a retractable structure draped in waterproof canvas and crimson xiangyunsha tea silk. This semi-outdoor area becomes the backdrop for a serene interplay of shadow and breeze. A duo of long benches crafted from glazed tiles frame a pair of immense recycled stone troughs reminiscent of the goldfish basins traditionally placed beneath pergolas. To one side, a tea station that recalls a marketplace wonton stall invites guests to engage in a moment of reflection and refreshment.
