The entire complex, named Shougang Park, is around 20 km from the Forbidden City. The main building’s existing structural framework was kept to reveal a skeleton of clear industrial heritage, consisting of concrete walls and steel roof trusses.
An extensive glass façade covers the original structure, enclosing the building in a transparent skin that leaves the style of the building intact while controlling the light and temperature inside, transforming the architecture into a large and contemporary winter garden filled with greenery.
The guest rooms building will house 282 guest rooms, and is connected to the main building by an elevated bridge. To give balance and proportion to the structure, the façade is visually divided into three different horizontal layers; the ground floor with terraces and cantilevering canopies that detach the building from the ground giving it an air of lightness; a second and more compact layer and finally a large canopy that floats above the roof, sheltering it from direct sunlight and concealing the mechanical, electrical and plumbing areas.
It is expected the project will be completed in 2022, in time for the Beijing Winter Olympics.