A {tag:studenci} from Lodz University of Technology has created a design for a mountain hostel on Luban in the Gorce Mountains. Her concept, taking into account local tradition, functionality and modern technology, responds to the needs of tourists and tourists and the requirements of contemporary architecture in the mountains.
site development plan
© Aleksandra Staśkowska
a place with a rich history
Luban, a picturesque peak on the Main Beskid Trail, has a turbulent history associated with hostels. The first building was constructed in the 1930s, but was destroyed. Another, built in 1938, survived for several decades before it burned down in 1978. Today, only the ruins of the foundations remain, used by tourists in the summer as an equipment locker or camping spot.
facades
© Aleksandra Staskowska
Aleksandra Staśkowska's project is an attempt to restore Lubani to its former role - a shelter that would not only be a stopover for hikers, but also a safe refuge in harsh weather conditions. The facility was located on the Main Beskid Trail, where the distance between Krościenko and Turbacz is as much as 11 hours of walking. The new hostel will allow tourists to divide the route into shorter stages, enabling several days of hiking, especially in more difficult winter conditions.
north from a bird's eye view
© Aleksandra Staśkowska
thoughtful functionality
The design of the hostel is based on maximum use of available space. On the first floor, a dining room with glazing was planned, which opens up the view of the mountains and at the same time provides an exit to the terrace. A tourist kitchen, laundry room with drying room, ski room and bathrooms, including those adapted to the needs of people with disabilities, are provided for tourists.
south in winter
© Aleksandra Staśkowska
The first floor has been allocated for dormitory rooms - both private rooms with bathrooms and dormitories with access to shared sanitary facilities. In the attic, space has been planned for emergency accommodation, the so-called soil, which allows to accommodate a larger number of tourists during the peak season. The basement storey has key functions: it houses the GOPR duty station, sanitary facilities for the campground, warehouses and a living area for the hostel staff. The well-thought-out layout allows free use of each floor without having to leave the building.
blending into the mountain landscape
When designing the new hostel, the author followed the principle of harmoniously integrating the building into the surrounding landscape. The building adopted a simple form with a characteristic sloping roof, referring to the local architecture. Building materials, such as local sandstone and wood, emphasize the connection to local tradition.
The glazed curtain walls serve several functions. First, they reflect the surrounding nature, making the building almost blend into the landscape. Secondly, they relate to the tradition of verandas present in former chalets, while providing a thermal buffer during the heating season. The terraces and balconies feature sliding modules that can create conservatories or open spaces as needed.
Remnants of the foundations of the former hostel have been preserved and incorporated into the terrace design, reminding us of the site's history. Commemorative plaques are planned at the entrance, which will bear witness to Luban's turbulent history.
east
© Aleksandra Staśkowska
The location in the heart of the Gorce Mountains required the use of technologies that will ensure the facility's self-sufficiency in energy. The shelter is equipped with photovoltaic panels, solar panels, a heat pump and a wastewater treatment plant based on MBR technology.
Glazed curtain walls act as an additional heat accumulator, significantly reducing energy demand during the colder months. These solutions not only reduce the building's maintenance costs, but are also part of an ecological approach to environmentally sensitive architecture.
return to tradition
Aleksandra Staśkowska's design is more than a building - it is a tribute to the history of a place that for decades hosted tourists on the Main Beskid Trail. The modern hostel on Luban is a continuation of this tradition, offering tourists comfort, safety and the opportunity to experience mountain hiking at its best.
west in winter
© Aleksandra Staśkowska
Maintaining respect for the past and the surrounding landscape, the author created a place that combines functionality with aesthetics, while emphasizing the role of modern technologies in shaping friendly spaces in the mountains. The project restores Lubani to its former glory, making it once again one of the most important stops on the map of Beskid wanderings.
