ARCHITECTURE

Design centered on
the perfect
hot spring experience

In designing a hot spring resort that resonated with the HOSHINOYA style, I first considered the differences between the hot spring cultures of Japan and Taiwan. For example, most Taiwanese hot spring baths are enjoyed while wearing swimwear. However, the baths here at the resort do not allow the use of swimwear, which in Japan is considered restrictive, preventing the bather from getting the most out of their experience.

Another important element of Japanese hot spring culture is the ability to admire the surrounding scenery while enjoying the natural breeze that cools you off as you soak. Each bath hall features an indoor and outdoor bath. The Japanese-style indoor bath is surrounded by aromatic wood and is positioned next to a picture window framing the natural beauty of Guguan. The outdoor bath is more aesthetically Taiwanese with its avant-garde design, while still harmonizing with the contours and colors of the landscape.

One of the most appealing qualities of Taiwanese architecture is its liveliness, which is at play in the guest room building. The facade dips in and juts out dynamically, mimicking a cluster of buildings--a common sight in Taiwan's cities. The reception, meanwhile, resembles a contemporary art museum, its open space transporting the guests into a new, different world.

Every guest room is equipped with a hot spring bath provided with natural ventilation. The bath occupies its own exclusive area--or floor, in the case of the resort's many maisonette-styled rooms. This allows guests to enjoy two distinct types of relaxation with privacy: hot spring bathing, and lounging in the bedroom or living area.

These elements come together to offer a hot spring resort that fuses the best of two distinct hot spring cultures.