Hotel Click Clack, Medellin, by Plan B Arquitectors

When looking for a steel frame constructed precedent I stumbled upon this hotel in Columbia. It stood out as the dark grey and black metal walls were contrasted by greenery native to the mountainous region. I felt this was a beautiful connection to create between the building and the site it sits on. The plants are a running theme throughout the hotel. The planters are built into the steel walls and hang from triangular metal baskets that hang from the ceiling. This echoed in the courtyard, as much larger planters sit within the space and double as seating. 

The courtyard is sunken to allow the ground floor to open up to the public, it is used as a shortcut or a shady spot for locals to sit. Creating a space for the local residents to use as well as the hotel guests, creates a better connection to the area. The architects said they wanted to create a creative 'epicenter' where the 'daily life of the city coexists with the activities of the hotel and its users'. The ground floor restaurant was fitted with large floor to ceiling bi-folding doors so that it can spill into the courtyard. Of course the weather in the UK and columbia is very different, but as the summers are becoming so much warmer more frequently here, this is definitely something I want to consider including in my design. 

The architects highlight how the design and its colour palette is inspired by the strong shadows created by the Medellin sun. They wanted to create a space that transforms throughout the day depending on when and where the sun is hitting the walls, this will then determine the colour. The interior of the hotel is quite masculine, with the user of leather and dark wood in the bedroom, black metal room dividers and a black tiled bathroom. 

This precedent stood out to me as some of its features could be included in my design. Although the climate of both designs is different, the aspects and qualities found in Peckham can also be seen in Hotel Click Clack. The concept of including the public in the ground floor and creating a connection between the people that live in the building and those just walking by is important. I also really like the concept of creating a courtyard/ open walkways, more into a feature. Perhaps having the restaurant to the south of the building and not entirely on the street will work best? This something I need to think about.