Hotel Dua was transformed from an existing building previously occupied by a departmental store. We were also given the task to alter the façade of the building, diverting away from the typical office building block look with the bands of perimeter window and composite panel curtain wall. Vertical louvers of aluminum sections were adopted to provide a unity and calm look for the façade.Due to site constraint, the hotel does not have a drop-off area for vehicles. Instead, a substantial portion of the ground floor was allocated as a semi-outdoor foyer with the Reception Lobby recedes furtherinside. This works well as the Foyer with its independent elevators are now used for outside guest to access restaurants upstairs, which are open to public, without interfering with the internal flow of the hotel.With a backdrop restricted to limited material palette, the primary design intent is to provide the interior with a sense of serenity; a sanctuary for weary travelers. With that setting the tone, rest of the interior was complimenting it and in the process reflecting elements of local culture. These can be seen through the usage of traditional elements such as weaving pattern, traditional Chinese ink painting design on the carpet, and the local Hakka floral fabric pattern in the guest room.