OSTEL.IN
Pondicherry
Dilapidated residential structure into a vibrant community stay
Courtyard Cafe
Furniture Design
Community space
Interior Architecture
Embarking on the venture with Ostel.in as our brainchild and playing dual roles as both creators and clients, we breathed new life into an incomplete structure with our collective expertise in architecture, hospitality operations, travel, and sustainable design.
APPROACH/
Our approach is centered on elevating the hostel experience within the unique tapestry of the Indian landscape. We transformed a deteriorating residential structure into a bespoke premium hostel through meticulous space planning. This planning was intricately tailored to the movement patterns of guests, ensuring seamless transitions during check-in, checkout, and while utilizing communal spaces for various activities, dining, or relaxation.
Drawing inspiration from the spiritual essence of Auroville & Pondicherry, the design embodies a serene ambiance evident in every space. Detailed tactile elements resonate with the region's tranquility, while personalized nuances infuse warmth and hospitality. A curated blend of furniture and furnishings punctuates distinct moments throughout the establishment, offering spaces that effortlessly shift from productive workdays to leisurely getaways.
COMMON LOUNGE/
The common lounge here is a versatile oasis meticulously crafted for the modern traveler. Preceding check-in and lingering post-checkout, this space is a visual delight adorned with an array of multipurpose seating styles, inviting travelers to partake in diverse activities, engage in games, relish cinematic experiences, or simply bask in casual luxury. The harmonious fusion of sleek design elements creates an atmosphere that transcends traditional hostel spaces, offering a curated environment where form seamlessly meets function. From hosted activities to networking gigs, our lounge is a testament to thoughtful design, providing an effortlessly chic backdrop for travelers seeking both comfort and aesthetic allure.
CASUAL SIT-OUTS/
Artful design meets functionality in our dorm-side casual sitouts. Positioned strategically on every level, these curated spaces foster unhurried conversations and shared moments among travelers. Each sitout is a sanctuary of precision, seamlessly blending comfort and aesthetics to create an ambiance of understated luxury. Our commitment to functionality is evident in the integrated multipurpose charging stations, harmonizing with the overall design ethos for a seamless and convenient experience. An indulgent reading nook, adorned with well-designed lounge seats, invites literary enthusiasts into a haven of intellectual retreat within a setting that exudes style and warmth.
PRIVATE ROOMS/
The private rooms redefine accommodation with efficient space planning and a minimal yet earthy feel. Embracing exposed brick, concrete and natural wood accents, the rooms offer a timeless ambiance that seamlessly integrates with the surroundings. The breathtaking sea views can be enjoyed from strategically placed furniture- window seats, bed, accent chair inviting the outdoors in. Our commitment to creativity extends to non-rectangular spaces, where innovative furniture planning transforms each room into a dynamic and inspiring retreat. In every corner of our private rooms – a perfect blend of design, comfort, and tranquility inspires creativity and curiosity for all the guests.
DORMITORIES/
The dorms represent a harmonious blend of efficiency, minimalism, and connectivity. They feature efficient space planning and exude a minimal yet earthy feel, accentuated by exposed brick, concrete, and wood elements that create a cozy atmosphere. Travelers will find strategically placed charging points, both at their bunks and in casual sit-in areas within the dorms, ensuring convenience. With 12 dorms offering 8 distinctive typologies, there's no standard layout – instead, a tailored approach to size and view outside provides extra space for work, play, and relaxation zones. Coziness takes precedence as daylight seamlessly integrates with cozy chat corners, beds, and ample storage lockers, complemented by fully equipped toilets. Whether one seeks a partial sea view, full sea view, or a private attic for unwinding, these dormitories offer a diverse range of experiences, taking the shared living experience to new heights and fostering engaging conversations among fellow travelers.
FURNITURE/
All the furniture, from the cafe to the rooms, lounge, poolside, to the terrace deck, has been thoughtfully crafted to suit the unique purpose, layout, and mood of each space. Wood is the primary material choice for most furniture, including beds, chairs, and tables, creating a seamless blend with the overall ambiance and offering a chic retreat with the perfect balance of comfort and style. Varied types of chairs and tables for different spaces showcase our keen eye for form and function, with each piece conceptualized to enhance aesthetic appeal. Inbuilt seats provide cozy nooks for relaxation, and the reception table, featuring a live wood edge, sets a distinctive tone for visitors. Lounge beds by the pool exemplify tranquility, reflecting our knack for creating luxurious escapes. The common room furniture including a wooden deck that multitasks as a performance space and a cozy game corner, is adorned with carefully chosen furnishings, fostering an inviting atmosphere. Intelligent storage solutions and concrete furniture, sculpted with waste granite pillars, reflect the designer's practical yet elegant approach.
SUSTAINABILITY/
Embracing a commitment to sustainability, our boutique hostel incorporates innovative construction techniques and eco-friendly initiatives to minimize environmental impact. We utilize alternative construction techniques such as the Jack arch and leverage vernacular building materials like Achukal bricks, ensuring a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.
Our Eco Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) is a pioneering feature that transforms sewage into clear water, contributing to water conservation and reducing our ecological footprint. The integration of solar water heaters not only promotes renewable energy but also significantly reduces our dependence on conventional electricity sources, aligning with our eco-conscious ethos.
To combat the plastic waste epidemic, water filters are strategically placed at each level of the hostel, encouraging a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bottles. This thoughtful initiative not only promotes responsible consumption but also enhances the overall environmental sustainability of our operations.
