A new boutique hotel in Changhua, Taiwan, showcases innovative architecture that pays homage to the region's industrial heritage. The H.S. Inn, designed by IN-Xian Design and completed in 2024, draws inspiration from the iconic Bagua kilns (Hoffman kilns) of Huatan, creating a unique hospitality experience that celebrates local material culture.
The 1,520-square-meter hotel integrates red brick textures, arched forms, and a warm chromatic palette throughout its design. Lead architect Wei Lun Wang and the design team, including Xiang Qiu Zhou, carefully layered these local references onto the brand's established material identity of exposed concrete, steel, and coarse textures. This approach creates architectural continuity while establishing a distinct sense of place that resonates with the surrounding landscape.
The building's most striking feature is its perforated expanded mesh façade, which abstracts the kiln's curving silhouette and marks the entry sequence for guests. Upon entering, visitors pass through a narrow, red-toned tunnel reminiscent of kiln interiors, creating an immersive experience that connects them to the region's industrial past. This carefully choreographed entrance leads to a light-filled public space defined by the dramatic intersection of brick vaults and concrete masses.
The hotel's spatial design emphasizes a rhythm of compression and release, evoking a tactile and immersive experience rooted in local material culture. Photography by Yi-Hsien Lee and Associates captures how the interplay of light and shadow enhances the textural qualities of the brick and concrete surfaces. The design successfully bridges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary hospitality needs, creating spaces that are both functionally modern and culturally resonant.
This project represents a thoughtful approach to regional architecture, where historical industrial elements are reinterpreted for contemporary use. The H.S. Inn demonstrates how architects can honor local heritage while creating innovative spaces that serve modern travelers, contributing to the growing movement of culturally-informed hospitality design in Taiwan.
