When the hotel in Beijing’s Kerry Centre was rebranded as Kerry, it forged a new brand for Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts. Along with Kerry in Shanghai, the four star property required a corresponding narrative to be constructed. LRF won the project through a competition, and its design for Kerry complemented the hotel’s targeted market of loyal yet younger Shangri-La clientele. The overall concept boasts a youthful flavour, with muted colours and tactile finishes for a touch of fashion alongside sophistication.

Like Shangri-La hotels, art forms an important part of the hotel’s makeup; instead of traditional scrolls, the art is more avant garde. A floating garden greets guests in the main lobby with abstracted foliage and fauna in reflective gold. Cindy Ng’s video art installation acts as a dynamic diversion for guests as they wait in the lift lobby. Chandeliers are ceiling mounted fixtures that add a subdued sparkle to premises.

Guestrooms are luxurious yet emphasise comfort. Some face Rem Koolhaas’ iconic CCTV tower, and thoughtful chaise lounges are placed in front of the full height glazing for uninterrupted enjoyment of the views. Bathrooms are decked out in veined marble and feature bathtubs and generous vanity counters.