CAMP:

The program was to generate a higher/better use for a vacant site in LODO Denver, namely - a boutique hotel.  We wanted our users to enter into a cave-like open-air lobby with a bar and operable glazing as if your ‘urban camping experience’ brought you right off the street without opening a door.  The guest rooms project into the airspace as if a balcony [yet another form of operable glazing and shading] encloses the sleeping pod for bad weather, but can also be completely opened up to the elements for star gazing.  The kinetic nature of the bed room pod is completely customizable by the user along with a hidden storage millwork wall to conceal all the modern conveniences like tv/fridge/closet/office/etc. The 25’ wide facade expression is a modernized masonry screen with oversized openings to allow the more contemporary patterned metal facade to be highlighted as western sun grazes the layered and dynamic expression.  Three levels below grade you’ll find a grotto with elevated spa experience and wading pool.  The title ‘camp’ is not only a literal description but ‘campy’ in jest.