Youth Hostel Punkl

Design: The youth hostel is situated in a small park on a tree-covered hill above the town, also featuring an elementary school, a social work center, a library and several indoor and outdoor sports facilities. Two impressive trees frame the way to the reception area of the cubic building, housing sleeping accommodations and common spaces for up to 48 persons. As a modern landmark of the town, the hostel is also used for a variety of public uses.

Wood: The wood used for the construction was logged in the nearby and sustainably managed Pohorje Forest. The region is knows for its centuries of traditional spruce building culture. The youth hostel translates and reinterprets the regional building culture by using cross-laminated timber. The timber is featured in a loadbearing role (panel construction) and the facade design.

Energy: The building was planned to achieve a primary energy demand of 22 kWh/m²a and thus Passive House standard. According to current monitoring results, the youth hostel has a higher heating energy demand. The building still features relatively low energy costs, which along with the pleasant ambiance make it an exemplary public building.