Tainan, a city on Taiwan’s southwest coast, was the island’s former capital before Taipei. Although the budget for this project was modest, the intention of the client was to give something back to their homeland and celebrate Taiwanese culture.
Taking inspiration from their rich culture and history, we used affordable yet durable materials to decorate. For example we recycled the clay found in soy sauce pots to form brick screens in the all day dining setting. Rooftop tiles commonly used in old houses served as a strong yet stylish base for the long sake bar table. Earth tones and paired back materials are apparent in the colour scheme giving emphasis on textures, comfort and history over extravagance.
Taiwanese are known for their unique bookshops and art galleries located in every corner, a feel we wanted to recreate in the property.
A contemporary bench is located at the centre of the lobby, welcoming guests to take a seat and appreciate a timber slated structure that runs along the high ceiling up to the glass roof. Artwork revealed in the lobby and guestrooms corridors are selected from prize winners of local art schools.
In a time where less people are spending time in their motherland, it was rewarding to give back.