MorenoMasey has recently elevated the concept of hostel accommodation by converting underused space above a number of London pubs into functional yet desirable design-led spaces.
By utilising innovative solutions to maximise space, MorenoMasey has enhanced the hostels’ operational, as well as visual appeal, creating high quality architectural design that improves the overall user experience.
Inspired by the character of the pub it is connected to, the accommodation spaces are infused with modern industrialism; creating a fresh contrast to the traditional perception of a hostel model.
PubLove, the company behind a number of London’s most treasured pubs, launched in 2007 with a mission to safeguard the Great British pub by diversifying and modernising the traditional pub, without losing its unique character. MorenoMasey was brought on to fulfil this goal and was instrumental in transforming the look and feel of a number of the chain’s pubs, followed by the connected hostel accommodation.
The hostel at The Crown pub in Battersea was the first to be unveiled earlier this year. MorenoMasey used its solution-based architectural approach to unlock the space and create eight rooms with 72 beds, where guests can stay in style and comfort. The overall feel of the rooms is functional with an industrial look, providing visitors with a top-rate experience with prices starting from just £13.50 a night.
Rodrigo Moreno Masey commented, “A strong client brief informed our architectural approach to both the pub and the hostel rooms above. The result is a stripped back aesthetic that peels away years of ad hoc change to reveal an honest, contemporary space.”
The main focus was to modernise the appeal and experience of hostel accommodation. This was achieved with features such as raw brickwork walls and three-tier beds made from industrial plywood and black steel, which have been enhanced by coordinating USB sockets with dedicated holders for phones, glasses and water bottles, plus the addition of screens and graphic numerical branding to help identify each bunk and provide an element of privacy. The numerical branding corresponds to the geometric lockers, and has also been used on the doors of each room. Hidden low level night lighting provides an automatic glow across the floors, aiding movement without disturbing other guests.
Rodrigo continues, “Upstairs exhibits simple functional hostel rooms that are equipped with the space and needs of the modern traveller. The result is confident and industrial with plywood and steel furniture pieces housing triple height beds in large, bright rooms.”
The pub design preceded the hostel design, involving the full refurbishment of the pub downstairs in order to create a consistently design-led space throughout, whilst ensuring the modernist design didn’t compromise its original character. The pub’s space again displays exposed brickwork and is adorned with industrial style lighting and banquette booth seating – creating a social, open plan space for guests. Extending aspects of the pub design into the hostel space produces a unified entity, maintaining and reinforcing the public house’s role at the heart of the local community while creating a social hub for the hostel.
“Placed somewhere between urban cool and historic public house, the use of simple materials assembled playfully with beautiful details, looks to redefine the hostel for the urban tourist.”
