After visiting the site in Taichung city, Taiwan our instinct was to embrace the decay and character of the dilapidated structure in our approach. In a city which was becoming glassier and taller we saw an opportunity to embrace the character of these buildings. We worked together with the local Taichung team to realize our concept.

The hotel was designed and built into the original concrete building, boasting a raw, industrial style with exposed concrete ceilings and pillars. Set into the façade bays, wild planted gardens buffer the rooms from the streets. Rooms are conceived as dark shells with accent of natural timber furniture elements. Internally a large void that the client wanted to fill in is embraced and covered to provide a central light well and garden.