This was a small project for a resort in an hot springs area of southeast Taiwan. The 30 hectare site sits at the foot of a large hill rising steeply about 1000 meters behind and to the South. It is large and flat, and the client aims to accommodate a wide variety of uses other than simply a hotel and spa. A consultant was brought in to identify feasible options, and two final schemes represent the physical expression of the consultants recommendations. The first involves a large 5-star luxury hotel, a smaller and more spartan youth hostel, and a separate senior living facility. This first scheme also devotes a large amount of open space to an area used for outdoor activities such as camping, barbecuing, games, etc. The second scheme has two hotels, one fronting a golf course which is a members only facility, and one which is more economical, adjacent to the spa and museum facilities. The facilities common to both schemes include a large hot springs health spa, a natural history museum, and some shopping, including small stalls to rent to local merchants selling aboriginal/austronesian arts and crafts and other locally produced souvenirs and agricultural products. Some of these stalls would act as a small scale night market typical to the region.

Both schemes aim to capitalize on the river location directly adjacent, but separate from the site due to a large dike meant to prevent flooding. Water from the river is pumped into the site for an artificial “creek” water feature. This element becomes the focus of a central garden, with pools, lounging areas, and plazas, which then becomes the centerpiece of the development as a whole. First/second floor amenities in the hotels, such as restaurants and cafes, over look this space which is dramatically lit up at night. Hiking trails lead up the mountain directly behind the site to scenic outlooks. The ocean is about 2 kilometers away.

The spa is designed as a series of pavilions and courts, Japanese style, and accommodates a wide range of activities including fitness center, beauty salons, aromatherapy, etc. Geothermal springs deep below are the source of the spa water, which then drains to the river. The large and spread out layout allows for a range of facilities of varying temperatures and degrees of privacy. The location at the rear of the site eliminates any noise from traffic and hotel activity, and the dramatic rise of the hills contributes to its secluded character.

This project was also known as Eastern Formosa – Jhihben Hot Springs World (東台灣知本溫泉世界) but it has had several iterations over the years (including one in 2012 that had a small scale amusement/water park. This part of Taiwan is relatively remote, but it now has improved rail access, and new road improvements have recently been made adjacent to the site (2025), which bodes well for new development.