Towering Rock Hostel Provides Habitats For Rock Climbers and Birds In Barcelona

In an attempt to create another famous landmark for <a href="http://inhabitat.com/barcelona-industrial-loft-is-reclaimed-modern-chic/" target="_blank">Barcelona</a>, Polish firm <a href="http://www.ugo.com.pl/" target="_blank">UGO Architecture</a> has designed a 100 meter rock tower and hostel. Barcelona Rock was conceived as proposal for the international <a href="http://www.arquitectum.com/index.php" target="_blank">2011 Bohemian Hostel for Backpackers competition</a>. Although not a winner, we're pretty thrilled with the idea of a tower made expressly to be climbed, where travelers can stay inside or out on the rocks, that is sustainably designed and can become a natural habitat for animals.

Hoping to strike a balance with the city's other famous landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia, Torre Agbar and the nearby Museum of Modern Art, Barcelona Rock hostel is largely inspired by nature and the mountains near the city.

The rock tower is situated in the middle of the city.

Rock climbers rest on a ledge as the ascend the tower.

With a facade made from stone sourced locally just like the other famous works, the rocks, crevices, ledges and cracks provide space for greenery and natural habitats for birds.

The tower will look more like a natural feature than a skyscraper and become a new landmark for the city.

The rock slabs will be mounted on stilts of reinforced concrete and mounted with gaps between them and the rest of the building to encourage natural ventilation.

Additionally, the rocks will provide thermal mass to soak up the heat during the day to keep the inside cool and release heat back to the hotel at night.

Inspiration for the facade of the tower.

Inspiration for the tower's amenities.

Inspiration for how the tower should be a landmark just like Ayers Rock in Australia.

Site plan and cross section.

Barcelona Rock Hostel.