Austin Youth Hostel

Hostelling International USA is a nonprofit organization devoted to fostering a deeper understanding of people and places through travel. It is founded on the idea of understanding, empathy, and education­—to experience a place, one must see it as a local sees it. 

This project creates an updated facility on HI USA’s existing site that accommodates more guests and engages both visitors and the Austin community.

Situated along the highly popular Roy and Ann Butler Hike and Bike Trail, which offers easy pedestrian and bike access to downtown Austin, this project is ideally located to negotiate and highlight Austin’s unique relationship between nature and city.  

Two primary buildings frame a flexible outdoor public gathering space. The dormitory wing provides a private place to sleep, bathrooms, and a place to lock belongings. Beds are arranged to maximize efficiency, affordability, and access to natural light while minimizing space. 

Public and community focused activities are concentrated in a linear public wing that stretches from the street to the trail and provides destination points for locals and visitors alike. 

The natural topography of the site helps create a large multi-use outdoor space that functions as a community movie theater and can be used for performances and other large-scale gatherings.