Interior architect André Fu launches his very own suite at The Upper House in Hong Kong
When The Upper House in Hong Kong opened in 2009, both the hotel and its designer, André Fu, were thrust into the limelight with Fu firmly earning himself a place on the design map thanks to his now signature understated residential ethos, which he calls ‘relaxed luxury’.
Over a decade later, with a number of high-profile projects under his belt, including designs for London’s Berkeley Hotel, the Waldorf Astoria in Bangkok, and Villa La Coste, a sprawling destination hotel and open-air art museum in Provence, Fu has undoubtedly become one of the world’s most in-demand interior architects.
And in a very tidy Fu-like full circle, it comes as no surprise that the designer has returned to the hotel that launched his career, this time with the unveiling of his very own suite. “Both The Upper House and I have evolved with time and we have now come together again to bring my lifestyle philosophy into this reimagined suite,” says Fu. “I am truly grateful to the hotel, which played such a key turning point in my career and for its decision to name this super suite after me.”
The 180-sqm André Fu Suite – formerly a two-bedroom penthouse on level 48 – has been re-shaped to include a 20-seat dining room and a dedicated spa with twin massage beds. The interiors build on Fu’s original concept to create a sophisticated and modern residence, with Fu wanting to give guests a peek into his personal journey with the hotel, along with creating a sense of walking into a space that taps into his own personal tastes.
“There is no better time to question myself about the type of environment that guests are ultimately looking for – it’s about creating spaces that are adaptable, purposeful and authentic,” he says.
With sleights of hand, Fu transforms the space into an intimate and inviting home, gently imposing an understated palette of mineral blue, dusty pink and pale ivory and cocooning the suite with furnishings and accessories from the André Fu Living Collection.
You’ll find never-seen-before pieces – like the Art Deco wallpaper created in collaboration with de Gournay and lounge chairs upholstered in Loro Piana’s finest wools – alongside items from his existing collection, including a series of low-slung coffee tables, floor lamps and accessories, and bespoke pieces such as the dining room table.
Personal touches, meanwhile, come by way of original concept hand-drawn sketches of the hotel, which adorn the walls, alongside a collection of artisan books from Fu’s personal library. “As guests explore and interact with the surroundings, they will discover the world of André Fu Living and my collaboration with the hotel, that has spanned over a decade,” explains Fu.
“We wanted to create a wholly unique experience,” says Kristina Snaith-Lens, the hotel’s general manager, “The end result is an intimate, relaxing space that feels akin to being in a luxurious living room.”
Elsewhere, Fu’s relationship with The Upper House continues with the soon-to-launch Salisterra. Perched on the 49th floor, the new Mediterranean restaurant is helmed by London-based Michelin star chef, Jun Tanaka, who delivers a fresh and vibrant menu – inspired by the coastal fare of France and Italy – against an earthy and bold colour palette that incorporates sprawling views of Hong Kong as the finishing touches.
Rates for the André Fu Suite start from HK$60,000 (S$10,000) a night, and includes round-trip transfers, daily in-room Champagne breakfast for two, a 90-room treatment (held in the suite) for two and a gift from the André Fu Living collection.
