Architects

LAVA
Location
Berchtesgaden, Germany
Client
Deutsches Jugendherbergswerk, Landesverband Bayern e.V., Mnchen
Area
1500.0 sqm
Project Year
2011

From the architect. LAVAs reinterpretation of an existing youth hostel has resulted in a completely
new type of space. The transformation of the youth hostel is underway! The design is all about the
individuality of spaces - LAVA achieved this by the clever reorganisation of the existing volume
resulting in different types of bedrooms. And a sustainable makeover includes low energy facade,
floor heating, the installation of a bimass pellet heating system and the use of local materials and
craftsmanship
LAVA has set new precedents for future hostel guests with:

Multi-purposeareas,previously unknown in this type of accommodation

Authentic spatial features based on the location and the transformation of an historic building

Built-in furniture and integrated storage avoids the barracks-style appearance of the typical youth
hostel.

The space is organised into visually coherent zones,with just a few key interventions.

Recent developments in the hotel sector reveal an increasing trend towards the 5-star luxury
segment on one hand, and on the other, the growing appeal of the individually designed basic hotel.
LAVAs study found that the success of these hotel typologies in urban areas is based on a return to
simple yet clearly defined concepts, combined with quality elements, materials, and furniture with
spaces that stimulate activity, group interaction, and a sense of community.

The Berchtesgaden Youth Hostel master plan allocates specific activities to specific building areas
within the overall complex, and a reordering of function within an existing structural fabric.The
design of one building in the hostel, the Haus Untersberg, optimises contemporary requirements for
family or group usage within this concept. The projects first phase entailed the modernisation of
this building, and was targeted at families. The existing room structure was opened up to facilitate
higher quality rooms, each with its own bathroom.

As youth hostels boast a wide range of typologies ranging from hut to castle standardizing would be
the wrong approach and so LAVA opted for creating different bedrooms using the old structure in
different ways.This transformation of the old spaces includes a wooden ceiling of the old restaurant
at ground floor made visible in the new rooms and unused space under the attic becomes a
mezzanine level with additional beds open to the spaces below.

Tobias Wallisser, LAVA director, said: the blending, overlapping and interlinking of different spheres
influences society today. This constantly evolving process is what gives LAVAs Hostel Berchtesgaden
form and shape by providing flexible but highly recognizable spaces. A special quality of comfort is
achieved by integrating simple and efficient technology. Ease of movement within each room is
complemented by ample baggage storage and locker facilities. Built-in furniture zones enhance the
look of each room, giving a contemporary twist to such furnishings as a bunk bed, which transforms
into a cocoon. These built-in zones also link internal parts of the building with the external
connections to the surrounding landscape are provided through large, panoramic window boxes,
which cantilever from the faade and act as seating, table areas, viewing platforms and relaxation
elements.

Throughout the building there is a recurring reinterpretation of specific elements for example the
original flag wall in the entrance foyer, featuring real flags, is now adorned with stripes of color
within which the national flag of each European country can be identified. These strong bright colors
contrast with the natural, regionally sourced materials, which feature quality fitting and meticulous
workmanship for facades and furnishings. Particular attention was also paid to the reduction of
overall energy usage resulting in a highly efficient building.

Chris Bosse, LAVA director, added: The core experience is that of authenticity and simplicity within
the hostel. This pilot project with the German Youth Hostel Association in Bavaria is located to the
south east of Munich. LAVA won the competition for the redesign in 2009. The other buildings in the
Berchtesgaden Youth Hostel will be transformed over the next few years. Further projects in other
locations in Bavaria are currently being planned.

Architects

Integrated Design Office

Location

Bangkok, Thailand

Area

350.0 sqm

Project Year

2015

Photographs

Boonchai Tienwang

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 Boonchai Tienwang

From the architect. Situated in a close proximity to Chatuchak weekend market in the
Northern part of Bangkok, Adventure Hostel resides in a 4-storey typical shop house built
during 1960s. The structural framing is at 3.60*3.60 meter. It forms 7.20 meter wide and
14.40 meter deep building. The typical layout is; the shop occupies ground floor, directly
connect to the street where all the trades could easily happen. Storage is on the second, and
the family units stay above.

Boonchai Tienwang

However, after Bangkok Sky train (BTS), has launched in 1999, it becomes the main
transportation mode in Bangkok. The colossus structure creeps in all over the main street in
CBDs to deliver 250,000++ passengers a day. This condition changes the way people live in
the shophouse. While the living conditions become worsen because of the noise and privacy
factor, its potential for the commercial used is enhanced. Because of these reasons, many
residents move out and rent the space for commercial use.
 Boonchai Tienwang

Section 1

Boonchai Tienwang

The client who rent the space for hostel, ask INTEGRATED DESIGN OFFICE (INDEO) a
Bangkok-based design studio led by Boonchai Tienwang. The brief is easy with only 3
simple requirements; cheapest, fastest and Thai contemporary culture accent.
 Boonchai Tienwang

The building was used as a low-income apartment with 14 of 12 sq.m. rooms. After the
interior demolition, INDEO finds a lot of windows, doors and wood studs. With economical
approach, the reuse of demolished materials has become the core design idea. The door and
wall wood studs find their new life for the outdoor furniture and wood deck. All the windows
are cleaned and repainted. Each of them is meticulously laid out at the front faade. The
window facade protects the inhabitants from street noise, direct sunlight, and also creates a
certain degree of privacy.

Boonchai Tienwang

Famous for its vibrant atmosphere, iNDEO introduces Bangkok every-day street components
for the interior design, such as the traffic light, traffic cone and the wood palette etc. It is
meant to blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor feeling. To give a sense of Thai
accent, colorful traditional sarong is used for the roof fabric and other furniture upholstery.
 Boonchai Tienwang

The design of this hostel does not only offer the budget overnight stay but also need to
represent Bangkok chaotic and yet vibrant atmosphere. The heterogeneous built environment
is enhanced throughout the hostel space from main entrance to the roof terrace.

##
MASA Studios Competition-Winning Hostels Combine Modularity and
Tradition for Cancer Patients
MASA Studios Competition-Winning Hostels Combine Modularity and Tradition for Cancer Patients

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via MASA Studio

With a modular composition inspired by traditional sub-Saharan African building typologies,

MASA Studios safe lodging proposal for Tanzanian cancer victims has been selected as the
winner of the Hostels for Hope competition, which called for solutions to issues of health and
safety in regards to the rehabilitation of cancer victims away from home in rural Africa.
Organized by Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon, an international foundation combatting womens
cancers, the competition responds to the unfortunate decision that thousands of
Tanzanian women have to make every year to travel great lengths for unaffordable
treatment and lodging, or to remain at home unable to fight the disease.

+ 10

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via MASA Studio

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via MASA Studio

The project stems from a single square regular module of two dimensions: 8x8m (64 square
meters) for public space and 6x6m (36 square meters) for private space (rooms for guests and
staff), explain the winners. The volume of the monolithic module is characterized by high
walls and massive mono - textural walls opening in the roof and allowing the diffusion of the
scattered light into the interior, air circulation and cross ventilation.
Situated within close proximity to two primary cancer treatment hospitals, these
modules aggregate to create the hostels primary form, which is further sandwiched by the
linear platform above and a concrete floor plate. The plate above acts as a security fence and
assists with bioclimatic and energy processes, while also creating protected areas and
connecting the individual units. This strategy allows a strong space flexibility and
transparency to both transverse and longitudinal directions, generating different perspective
views of the landscape and especially towards the Victoria Lake.

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via MASA Studio

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via MASA Studio

Sanitary facilities such as latrines, designed to the standards of the UNCHR, are placed away
for the residences to reduce risks of infection, along with the backup generators and waste
recycling systems, all of which are found along the central circulation routes.
The main building is composed of load bearing masonry and the modules of brick, both of
which rely on the local community to help construct. Flows of circulation converge to create
informal socializing and communal hubs, and along with the open structure of the modules,
help engage the landscape and nearby community through the invitation of various programs
and activities.

via MASA Studio

via MASA Studio

Each module comes equipped with mosquito nets for additional protection and captures
views of Lake Victoria from its outdoor spaces. Construction is intended to begin within a
few months.

Check out the rest of the winners here.

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via MASA Studio

Project Credits

Architects: Emanuele Santini, MASA STUDIO

Location: Mwanza, Tanzania
Architect in Charge: Emanuele Santini, Sara Marinucci
Collaborators: Valentino Proietti, Valerio Faraglia
Consultant: Maria Grazia Spedicato
Client: Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon
Area: 4000m2
Project year: 2017

News via: MASA Studio.

Architects
Sea Architecture
Location
Saphan Khwai, Khwaeng Samsen Nai, Khet Phaya Thai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand
Area
330.0 m2
Project Year
2017
Photographs
Adison Ruangsiridecha
Manufacturers
SCG
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Adison

Ruangsiridecha

From the architect. Ora Hostel is the newest hostel, for warm welcome the Backpacker
guests to visit Bangkok, Thailand. Its located at BTS Saphan Khwai Station near Jatujak
Market.

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 Adison
Ruangsiridecha

The Conceptual of this project is Modern Loft style, for responding the character of the
building like a man who can discovery the world.

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Adison
Ruangsiridecha

It was started to design in 2015 by SEA ARCHITECT CO., LTD. come to renovate from the
ex-shop house to be the hostel. This unit is 4 m. Width by 12 m. in 6 stories. The greeting
faade from wood can attract the guest who look from BTS Saphan Khwai station easy to
find this place. Moreover, the Interior of this hostel are design by mix use of materials such
as wood, concrete and steel for created space like a various characters of guest to be one
family.

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Section

This small building hostel can reserved the maximum guests around 38 persons, reserved
with all facilities. The security and safety are first concerned for guests. The function of first
floor is lobby and cafeteria, Kitchen and public area for guests.

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 Adison
Ruangsiridecha

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Floor Plans

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Adison Ruangsiridecha

The Mezzanine floor is relaxation area, the guest can play the game, watching TV, reading a
book and etc. The second floor to fourth floor is dormitory and private room for guest can
take a rest with all facilities reserved and toilets in every floors. The roof top is created for
reserved breakfast and dining time, Guest can see the Bangkoks view from this area.