Indonesia Design - Defining Luxury
Taipei Time
Here at Kimpton Da An Hotel, guests from all corners of the world are pampered in an urban sanctuary amidst the hustle bustle of the city
At Kimpton Da An Hotel in Taipei, guests from all corners of the world are pampered in an urban sanctuary amidst the hustle bustle of the city.
Tucked away from one of the major thoroughfares in Taipei, Taiwan, Kimpton Da An is the first boutique hotel brand of Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) to open in the Asia Pacific. Opening its doors in early 2019, the hotel, just as the name suggests, is located in Da An district – a small residential neighbourhood off one of the main drags of Taipei’s Eastern district.
While staying at the hotel, guests can explore some popular attractions such as the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Elephant Mountain and Taipei 101. No less attractive are the surrounding boulevards that are lined with high- end boutiques, karaoke parlours, eateries and cocktail lounges.
Shanghai-based Neri&hu Design and Research Office designed the hotel’s architecture and interior. They have done great work by putting emphasis on creating a sanctuary that cuts away the noises and blinding lights of the vibrant city. The inspiration came from the city’s everyday life, mixing a modern minimalist look without forgetting traditional elements. The logo of the hotel is said to be inspired by the city block of Da An district.
Natural light is abundant in the hotel’s lobby that’s so spacious and covered with walls covered by white tiles. The sculpted high-low ceiling offers different spatial experiences: a cocooned space for the lounge area and a double-height atrium at the arrival. The tiled walls are a nod to the ubiquitous tile work often found in the alleys of Taipei, whilst the
intricate metalwork housed around millworks is inspired by windows and facades found in the neighbourhood. Many patterns on the carpet and artworks are also inspired by street scenes of this capital of Taiwan.
The hotel boasts 129 rooms, with white tiles found in the lobby, also found in the bathroom. The bathtub, also in white tiles, is inspired by the firm’s founder’s childhood bathroom in Kaohsiung. The hotel room’s walls are painted in warm dark green accented with wooden headboard and closet with brass accents found in the furniture.
Going up, the hotel’s rooftop is home to The Tavernist restaurant helmed by chef James Sharman. Diners can enjoy contemporary dishes prepared with local touches and innovative cooking methods. The restaurant embraces Taiwan’s organic movement and works closely with local farmers and food producers. In terms of design, The Tavernist is meant to be a place that exudes a communal dining experience and also an extension of the street life culture in Taipei. Different communal areas are divided to create a series of different yet interconnected spaces, a common house arrangement found in Asia. Walls are lifted with wooden legs and detached from the existing building perimeter, giving it a sense of ephemerality and lightness.
As the hotel was recognised as the “Best Urban Hotel Shortlist 2019” for its wallpaper feature, there are rich colours of fluted tiles, metalwork and pattern wallpapers on the walls that create a scene commonly found in the city’s arcades and alleyways.
By capturing the essence of Taiwanese culture in its design, Kimpton Da An Hotel has made itself right at home in the heart of Taipei.