Capsule Hotel by Atelier Tao+C

An old house made with rammed earth walls and timber ceiling as been salvaged and adapted into the boutique Capsule Hotel and Bookstore with a community library. Full height shelves made from locally sourced bamboo line the walls of the atrium and public space and also create a series of paths and places to stop and read as you traverse the staircases.

The architects, Atelier Tao+C, have designed this adaptive reuse project as a hotel made from a series of ‘capsules’ which can accommodate 20 guests. The existing floors and internal partition walls were removed and these capsules have been inserted in a staggered formation.

The eastern end rammed earth wall was removed to install a full height atrium with full height glazed windows to bath the space with natural light and open it up to reveal the majestic views of the surrounding mountains. This timber structure has corrugated polycarbonate panels lining the walls and roof which glows at night like a soft lantern.

The architects have made minimal alternations to the exterior of the building to retain the original simplicity of the original structure, however additional windows and skylights have been added to allow for natural light and surrounding views throughout the entire space.

To maintain a sense of privacy for the hotel guests, the accommodation capsules have been cleverly enclosed by bookshelves so they are hidden from the ground floor public spaces. I’d love the chance to wander through this building and explore all the hidden spaces and find a comfortable nook to sit and read.