The project acts as a replicable thematic model exploring the concept of an exchange of skillset which will be commensurate with the duration of stay at the hostel. As a business model, the targeted clientele will be required to offer their skills as a performance/service to the community, with all profits given to the hostel as payment. As an architectural model, the building proposes an adaptable tectonic typology which can be applied to other hostels.

The proposed hostel is located on the coast of Scarborough. The site is a historically rich town with tales of smuggling, ship-building and the like. Scarborough thrives on its fishing and service industries as well as being a popular tourist destination. The brief for the project was influenced by the richness and variety of culture and arts in Scarborough ranging from poetry and music to the visual arts.

The Three Minstrels is a Hostel for Traveling Musicians which aims to integrate and promote the activities of local and touring Musicians with the general public, while connecting the commercial sea front with the town above.

Architectural Concept:

The main concept driving the design process throughout the scheme was the way some cases are sculpted to the shape of a musical instrument whereas some are not, leaving voids. This concept inspired the building tectonically through the generation of structural solids and voids as well as regarding each part of the building as a separate element, assembled and slotted together. The structural strategy of ‘cases within cases’ lead to the conception of a hard, masonry ‘shell’ which wraps around two interior ‘floating’ cases, each a structurally independent CLT element. The leftover spaces are filled with circulation and the voids create an atmospheric environment functioning as part of the environmental and acoustic strategy of the scheme.

The bunk-cases were designed to be independent structures or a ‘room within a room’ providing sufficient storage for the musicians’ instruments and belongings, a foldable desk top (for sudden moments of musical inspiration) as well as sufficient acoustic insulation. They are arranged in an open plan layout fostering interactions and friendships between the visitors.

Performances by the traveling musicians in the public courtyard will be transmitted from the bottom to the top of the site, through the vertical service void, bridging the topographical gap acoustically and visually.

Future:

The scheme was designed with future adaptability and flexibility in mind. The retaining walls and brick shell are the permanent elements of the building while the steel structural beams holding up the CLT structures can be relocated or added for possible expansion of spaces in the future.

The above project can be applicable and adaptable as a business and architectural model in future hostels, replacing the programme and brief targeted to a particular or variety of skillsets suited to the social, cultural and historical context. A wide range of potential proposals could range from a Hostel for Dancers & Magicians to a Hostel for Makers & Designers. The operation of a thematic model in each hostel will spark curiosity and interest in the general public, creating a successful business model and providing a platform for talented individuals to showcase their skills.