Title: A Youth Hostel for Elk Island National Park - Hostel Belle Vues
Location of Proejct: Alberta, Canada
Project Completion Date: May 2020
Firm Name:

Short Description: As you drive through the entrance of Elk Island National Park, you feel nothing but nature surrounding you. One could experience nature not only while roaming through the park, but also while staying at the hostel. My design concept was to capture as much of Elk Islands Natural scenery and vistas for the guest. As you drive under hostel, you look up at the building, and wonder how they have managed to subtract the bottom portion of the mass, yet, the building still stands. Noticing that everywhere the building is touching the ground is an organic form.

Architect's Statement: Project
A Youth Hostel for Elk Island National Park
Site
The approximately 1.5-acre site is located in Elk Island National Park in Alberta, Canada. The park is a year-round destination for both local residents and visitors. It is noted for its view of the Northern Lights as well as a wildlife haven that is home to a diverse group of animals and over 250 species of birds. It is the only National Park which maintains herds of both Wood Bison and Plains Bison, the two subspecies of North American Bison. The park offers a wide range of activities for visitors including over 50 miles of
trails for hiking, and cross-country skiing, ice skating or snowshoeing in the winter and an abundance of lakes for canoeing and kayaking or swimming in the summer. The hostel site is located in the wooded area east of the visitor center.
Objectives
This project explores the diversity of northern plains flora and fauna. The spaces should convey an architectural statement reflecting the significances of the surrounding environment and cultural heritage of the region. It must incorporate sustainable materials and alternative energy sources.
The building and exterior spaces are to demonstrate the highest degree possible the ability of architecture to respond to the unique needs of the users and context.

The following are minimum requirements that must be incorporated into you design:
Entry Vestibule………………………………………………………………………………....120 sf
Lobby/Reception………………………………………………………………………….....300 sf
Common Room (with computer stations)……………………………………………. 1,000 sf
Exterior Patio………………………………………………………………………………...1,300 sf
Dining Room…………………………..……………………………………………............1,300 sf
Kitchen (2 stoves, 2 microwaves, 2 refrigerators and 2 sinks) ………………............400 sf
Kitchen Storage……………………………………………………………………………….100 sf
Laundry (4 washers, 4 dryers and 2 - 12' tables)……………………………………….. 600 sf
Guest Rooms (100 sf each - 20 rooms with storage in unit for 4 guests) ………..2,000 sf
Toilet Room (2 @ 450 sf each -10 toilets and lavatories) ………………………….….900 sf
Shower Room (2 @ 400 sf each - 2 rooms with 10 showers/changing) ……….….800 sf
Janitor’s Closet…………………………………………………………………………….…..30 sf
Administrator Apartment with separate exterior access
Living/Dining Room/Kitchen………………………………………..………….250 sf

Bedroom…………………………………………………………………………….120 sf
Bath…………………………………………………………………………………...40 sf
Staff Office………………………………………………………………………….………….150 sf
Staff Meeting Room………………………………………………………………..………...150 sf
Luggage Storage…………………………………………………………………….……….200 sf
Storage for Bikes and Exterior Recreational Equipment with direct exterior
access..……………………..………………………………………………………………….. 400 sf
Mechanical/Electrical Space…………………….......................................................400 sf
Parking for 20 vehicles with access to road north of site…………..……... sf as required

Design Panel requirements (include graphic scale on all scaled images):
1. A Project Description Document (maximum 500 words) which explains the design concept. Provide
an adequate description of the approach taken in both the design process and the execution of
your proposal.
2. Floor Plan (floor plan and site plan may be combined into one image)
3. Site Plan
4. Building section(s)
5. Exterior Rendering
6. Interior Rendering
7. Physical model
8. Any additional drawings that help the jury understand your design. Note: Scale of all drawings and
model(s) are at the discretion of th