Youth Hostel Bern / Aebi & Vincent Architects

Youth Hostel Bern / Aebi & Vincent Architects - Table, Windows, Chair, Facade, PatioYouth Hostel Bern / Aebi & Vincent Architects - Windows, Bed, BedroomYouth Hostel Bern / Aebi & Vincent Architects - Facade, HandrailYouth Hostel Bern / Aebi & Vincent Architects - Windows, Table, Glass, ChairYouth Hostel Bern / Aebi & Vincent Architects - More Images+ 24

  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  2750
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2018
  • Photographs
    Photographs:Adrian Scheidegger
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  horgenglarus, Energie Genossenschaft Schweiz (EGeh), Filigran Bauelemente AG, Röthlisberger Schreinerei AG and Aebi & Vincent Architects, Tschannen Metallbautechnik AG
  • Lead Architects: Bernhard Aebi, Pascal Vincent, Philipp Morf
  • Other Participants: Raffael Niklaus, Daniel Klemp, Paula Valenzuela, Reto Weyeneth, Jonas Leibundgut, Martina Lossli, Franziska Gerlach, Karola Kamp, Lino Dumont, Jan Dubach, Maximilian Willier
  • City: Bern
  • Country: Switzerland
More SpecsLess Specs
Youth Hostel Bern / Aebi & Vincent Architects - Table, Windows, Chair, Facade, Patio
© Adrian Scheidegger

Text description provided by the architects. Refurbishment and extension of Bern youth hostel / The youth hostel in Bern is located where the Stadtbach stream once flowed into the River Aare. Built in 1955/56 after a design by Peter Indermühle, the ensemble forms together with the octagonal building across the street the entrance to the quarter. The part of the building to the east of the dining hall has now been replaced by a detached structure that echoes the slender volume of the main building. In conjunction with the angular historical complex, this opens up space towards the quarter and the Aare.

Youth Hostel Bern / Aebi & Vincent Architects - Table, Chair
© Adrian Scheidegger
Ground Floor Plan
Youth Hostel Bern / Aebi & Vincent Architects - Windows, Bed, Bedroom
© Adrian Scheidegger

The outdoor area with its imposing plane tree was supplemented by a plateau leading from the main entrance to the new annex. Due to its location in a wetland area, the new wing is raised off the ground to protect it from possible flooding. Peter Indermühle’s buildings were adapted with great respect to the new requirements. The entrance area with bar was lowered back to its original level. The 20 rooms with a total of 90 beds have been reorganized within the existing structure.

Youth Hostel Bern / Aebi & Vincent Architects - Facade, Handrail
© Adrian Scheidegger

Like the renovated transverse bed wing, the new building has four stories with single-loaded corridors and is accessed from one end; it houses 30 rooms with a total of 90 beds. Reduced to a minimum in structural terms, the building stands on twelve piles that transfer the loads to the foundation ground. The curtain wall is made of precast white concrete and carries forward the theme of framed windows from the room wing and the structured façade of the dining hall in the heritage building as well as harmonizing with the wooden cladding of the houses along the street.

Youth Hostel Bern / Aebi & Vincent Architects - Windows, Table, Glass, Chair
© Adrian Scheidegger

Project gallery

See allShow less

Project location

Address:Weihergasse 4, 3005 Bern, Switzerland

Click to open map
Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Youth Hostel Bern / Aebi & Vincent Architects" 23 Feb 2019. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/912031/youth-hostel-bern-aebi-and-vincent-architects> ISSN 0719-8884

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.