Youth Hostel les Sablons

2019, Neuchâtel

Internship at TRIBU architecture, Lausanne.

This competition is about the renovation and transformation of the Collège des Sablons in Neuchâtel, an unclassified turn-of-the-century building located in a convenient location in the city. The program asked to develop an idea for this school to become a youth hostel. The project respects the existing structure of the building and fits into the existing building of the Collège des Sablons, respecting its architectural and volumetric peculiarities while avoiding creating an extension.

Maximum compactness both inside and outside the building is achieved while conserving the existing structure. The roof of the hostel being in poor condition so it is redone in zinc and the sheen of the metal also makes it a visible signal from the road below. The rest of the building is brought up to current thermal standards. A large oculus on the west facade contrasts with the previous principle, signalling the entrance to visitors and showing what is going on in the refectory on the ground floor. On each floor, a common area opens up from the central circulation, and a panoramic lounge on the third floor offers a beautiful view of the lake.

All images and concepts belong to TRIBU architecture.