Alpine Hostel

Project idea

The Toluca Nevado, although still called "Xinantécatl", is a volcano located in the State of Mexico. It is located 45 kilometers from Toluca, the capital of the State of Mexico.

The project proposes a hostel and a viewpoint, which invites adventurous people to visit and explore the crater of the volcano and make it a center of attraction and investment for the city. "The Alpine Hostel" is located within a 1 hectare plot on the slopes of the volcano with direct link to the viewpoint, which is inside the crater of the volcano between the lagoons of the Sun and the Moon. Both elements, the hostel and viewpoint are formally related to each other, and have a visual relevance with the volcano and the lagoons.

Project description

The concept of the project is based on an architecture that integrates with its environment in an abstract way, by integrating the architecture into the landscape with the help of an external peripheral viewpoint.

The design has bio-climatic characteristics, by locating the window on the south facade and leaving the slopes on the north and northeast facades.
The structure consists entirely of wood as it is a suitable material to absorb the largest amount of heat possible and maintain it, significantly reducing energy costs than alternatives produce.
On the frontal facade, where the entrance is located, you can see the commemorative mural integrated into the architecture, which represents the legend of Xinantécatl, in an abstract way, giving a character with a local identity.

Technical information

The constructive elements of the project, such as the materials, propose proper use and positioning. The window frames consist of double panels for thermal insulation. The wooden frame ceilings and their warm tones inside provide greater comfort and heat absorption. Solid walls consist of CSEBs (Stabilized Compressed Ground Blocks) masonry walls. This type of material has better thermal insulation than traditional lifting and can be manufactured with the earth removed from the site, mixed with other components to give it structural stability and low environmental impact in its manufacture and transportation.
The sloping ceilings not only allow ease in maintaining them in times of snowfall but they can also be used as rainwater collectors, which can be used for discharges in bathrooms and irrigation.