The Hostel is a project in the direct vicinity of the Gedenkstätte Hohenschönhausen, the former Stasi prison and now a museum that bears witness to the history of the East German Ministry of State Security. Jasper Architects were commissioned to design the first two buildings of a new urban development in this historically charged area of Berlin. The project aims to establish a welcoming gateway into the neighbourhood, creating a thoughtful dialogue between contemporary architecture and its historical surroundings. Materiality plays a central role: the hostel’s wooden construction and facade of vertical timber slats convey a friendly, inviting design language—signalling a new era of openness, communication, and social connection. Urbanistically, the building is positioned to frame an open public square, encouraging encounters and shared experiences within the community. This warm and sustainable approach offers visitors a space of comfort and reflection amidst the weight of the past.

Usage

The hostel includes 237 double rooms (474 beds) over five floors, with 21 barrier-free rooms and 8 fully wheelchair-accessible units. Communal spaces such as the lobby, game room, seminar and reading rooms, fitness and TV rooms foster interaction and leisure. Public and semi-public areas are located on the ground and basement floors, alongside operational spaces like offices, laundry, and technical rooms. Mobility is well supported with 98 bicycle parking spaces, including e-bike and cargo bike chargers, and an underground garage with 14 parking spaces.

Construction Method

The design employs a hybrid system: a reinforced concrete basement and ground floor, with prefabricated timber modules for the upper floors. The load-bearing structure combines solid wood modules and reinforced concrete cores for vertical circulation. External walls use timber frame construction with high-performance insulation. The modular design enables efficient prefabrication, speeding up construction while ensuring quality and precision. The façade combines natural wooden slats with glass fiber concrete at ground level for durability and visual appeal.

Sustainability

Sustainability is central to the project’s concept:
•The building connects to Berlin’s district heating, with future provision for a heat pump system.
•Solar thermal and photovoltaic systems cover on-site energy needs, integrated into a green roof.
•Rainwater retention and ecological paving enhance biodiversity and manage stormwater.
•Outdoor spaces include recreational areas and modular furniture, designed for accessibility and enjoyment.
•Full accessibility is provided across the site, from entrances to guest rooms and outdoor areas.

The project embodies an integrative approach to urban development, merging ecological responsibility with social inclusivity.