Projects \ Bünc-Häus Hostel
Design began with a 13’x 18’ room within a hostel. The room is organized around a place for individuals as well as a place for a group, which manifests into distinct moves: compression and release. A large vault in the center of the space creates the group space. The vault’s massive walls create a thick band of solidity that is carved to create compact spaces for individuals. Entry into the space transitions from compression to a heightened sense of release, drawing the eye upwards towards the ceiling. A line graphic on the wall and curtains accentuate the height of the vault ( inspired by Schinkel’s curtain room), while white oak clads the compressed space. One returns to compression when sleeping.
This concept transitions further to the public spaces. The tallest vault of the hostel contains the lobby space. In a similar manner to the room, smaller spaces are carved out of the wall of the vaults. Contrastingly, a large flexible lounge space in the interior of the vault provides guests a place to hangout. The textured wood within the carved spaces starkly contrasts the colorful painted gradient within the vault. This colourful gradient creates a place of intrigue, while accentuating the height of the vault through color change.
The hostel is situated at Lamar and Airport in the Crescent shopping center which is surrounded by a mixed-use development, light industry, and the Highland neighborhood. Visitors will be able to explore Austin by taking both the light rail station and the rapid bus station across N Lamar Blvd. The original facade of the complex remains, concealing the new hostel behind it at eye level. Consequently, the facade becomes the threshold between the shopping center environment and the secluded hostel. From driving down Lamar, the tapered volumes appear above the facade acting as signage for the hostel.
In similar diagram to the room, a large public courtyard anchors the hostel, while the rooms surround adjacent smaller private courtyards. Within the built volumes, back of house and individual spaces reside in the poche, while group spaces occur in the interior of the vaults. The hostel is meant to be an amenity not only for guests, but also to this developing area of Austin. The event space and courtyard can be rented out for outside events and gatherings
The Bünc-Häus Hostel is a mixing of music, warm beds, sleepless nights, food, and spirits. People come to stay here simply to have good a time, make new connections, explore Austin, and create meaningful experiences.
Location Austin, TX
Class Adv. Design- Spring 2018
Professor Nerea Feliz
Award UTSoA Design Excellence 2018