This re-design of a 20th century modernist building into a youth hostel for the proposed client (YHA) explores the ways in which design approaches and principles can re-imagine existing facilities and spaces.
 
To promote the charity led mission to “enrich the lives of all, but especially young people”, the concept brings forward a functional and enjoyable space that would be accessible and suitable for anyone. The design uses colours and materials that compliment the clients’ branding and their desire to be sustainable and set a leading example.
 
Located at the edge of the Northampton Cultural Quarter, Albion House is run down and lacks proper use. Constructed in the 1960’s-70’s, it has four floors and a basement of a slightly smaller footprint. Being the period that it was, the construction shows concrete slab floors with regular columns and the core of the building hosts a lift shaft and the main staircase.
In order to make best use of the existing structure, the concept refreshes what is there, especially on the exterior, and tries to maintain the key circulation routes with some minor changes for better space planning.