BEFORE SUNRISE

On Taiwan's eastern coast in Hualien, nestled between the Central Mountain Range and the Pacific Coastal Mountain Range, lies a magnificent landscape. Through fortuitous circumstances, we were entrusted by an owner with hotel management experience to fulfil their dream of owning and operating a boutique lodging. Upon discovering a prime location that seamlessly blends urban convenience with coastal beauty, we set out to design a space that harmonises with the sea and sky while offering an unique proposition compared to other competitive accommodations. The brand name "漫漫日出" (Màn màn rìchū) translates to "Before Sunrise," indicating that the space has already positioned itself for the best viewing angle before the sunrise. Correspondingly, the English name conveys the idea that the beauty of the surroundings has long awaited before the sunrise. This positioning of the spatial advantage in shaping the image of the environment is self-evident. The building comprises six floors. The ground floor serves as a welcoming lobby, featuring a reception desk and a social space. It also includes a branded main visual wall, catering to past and future guests, enhancing their impression and aiding in social media check-ins. The lobby's decorations are finely selected, with facades featuring contrasting colours, creating an intriguing layering effect amidst shades of grey and white. The ambiance exudes a sense of refinement and elegance, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. The second to fifth floors comprise four guest rooms, each meticulously decorated in different styles to create distinct impressions. Featuring stacked linear panels to evoke a sense of understated luxury; or incorporating hanging pendant lights and swings to cultivate a romantic ambiance. The theme extends along the window views, rooms facing the sea are equipped with thick, wind-resistant glass curtains, enhancing insulation while maintaining unobstructed views. Dreams are elegant, but bringing them to fruition requires courage, and executing them is even more challenging. This project has broadened our team's perspective on various challenges such as spatial aesthetics, brand marketing, local landscape observation, and the competitive markets.