Paul McAneary Architects announce the design of the first Backpacker Hotel, a new concept that combines the luxury of boutique hotels with the spirit of international backpacking. This sustainable project on Kingsland Road Hoxton, London, in the heart of the fashionable district, 'recycles' the existing architecture adding a new public bar and shop.
The client requested a change of use of the former shutdown nightclub, including the reconfiguration and extension of the existing building with all the most up to date technological facilities expected by the new generation of backpackers. Paul McAneary Architects responded to the brief by proposing a ‘hybrid accommodation’ that is affordable and unique in design at the same time. With this innovative approach, the budget hostel meets the boutique hotel.
The proposed design adds a double height space to the existing building and places an expanded corten mesh screen in front of the facade. This fine steel grid allows the light flowing into the depth of the building and limits the visibility from the street level assuring more privacy to the customers-clients. It unites the 5 existing buildings into one coherent branded hotel and acts as balustrade protection.
The original Victorian facade is retained and enhanced by the sculptural rusty see-through steel curtain. The rusty shade of the steel creates beautiful reflections during the day while at night, it perfectly blends and glows with the London orange street lights. The result is visually striking: urban and sophisticated at the same time.
