The Bayreuth Youth Hostel, most youth desire to spend their time in a fast-paced, creative, and flexible environment. A new project by LAVA, the Bayreuth Youth Hostel, offers many new experiences within the very innovative spaces inside. The project’s form, a ‘Y’ shaped structure, serves as a distinct form enabling new spatial configurations. The Generation ‘Y’ travelers are the target group for this project. The use of this specific shape offers multiple connections between the inside and out. The three main wings of the building are equally spaced around the main central core.
Courtesy of LAVA
The core offers a vibrant and connective space; it acts as an interaction ‘hub’ for the users of the building. This core is emphasized by a large skylight providing natural daylight to this playful social area. The space goes beyond the idea of traditional seating areas; rather it houses an amphitheater, access to online and community, a reception, and a comfortable place for communication. The amphitheater steps also serve as a connection to the different levels of the hostel.
Courtesy of LAVA
The ‘Y’-shape’s three main wings contain multiple bedrooms modules and types with an overall capacity of 180-beds. The form allows for an easy circulation around the core; the three hallways move from the inside core to connect to the outdoor gardens and green sport fields. The building shape also allows for multiple visual connections to the outside, each with a unique view to the different outdoor facilities. The hostel also contains seminar rooms, bistro, kitchen and game areas, as well as various sporting facilities which are integrated into the design.
Courtesy of LAVA
As part of offering a new experience within the facility, many bedroom module layouts were created. The flexible walls, built-in furniture and integrated washrooms and bed niches, make it very user-friendly and inviting environment. Moreover, all building facilities are wheelchair accessible. This building presents a new and creative prototype for a sports hostel. The plans for construction are to begin in early 2015.
Architects: LAVA Design
Country: Germany, Bayreuth
Year: 2014
Photographs: Courtesy of LAVA Design
Area: 3400.0 sqm
Architects in Charge: Chris Bosse, Tobias Wallisser, Alexander Rieck
Design Team: Julian Fahrenkamp, Nicola Schunter, Paula Gonzalez, Jan Kozerski, Elise Elsacker, Myung Lee; Competition team: Sebastian Schott, Stephan Albrecht, Stefanie Pesel
Architects (costs + planning): Wenzel+Wenzel
Structure: Engelsmann Peters, Stuttgart/Graz
Mechanical engineering: IBT PAN, Berlin
Fire and Building Physics: Bauart, München
Landscape: IB Riede, Nürnberg
Kitchen: b.o.b.
Fire: Bauart, München
Building Physics: Bauart, München
Mechanical Engineering: IBT PAN, Berlin
Madeline Brooks is a Projects Editor at Arch2O, where she has been shaping and refining architectural content since March 2024. With over a decade of experience in editorial work, she has curated, revised, and published an array of projects covering architecture, urbanism, and public space design. A graduate of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Madeline brings a strong academic foundation and a discerning editorial eye to each piece she oversees. Since joining Arch2O, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s editorial direction, with a focus on sustainability, social relevance, and cutting-edge design. Madeline excels at translating complex architectural ideas into clear, engaging stories that resonate with both industry professionals and general readers. She works closely with architects, designers, and global contributors to ensure every project is presented with clarity, depth, and compelling visual narrative. Her editorial leadership continues to elevate Arch2O’s role in global architectural dialogue.