The Tatra Mountains are one of the most popular and beautiful destinations in Poland. To respond to the growing demand for mountain infrastructure resulting from the dynamic development of tourism, Mateusz Rutkowski of Politechnika Lubelska designed a new hostel on the slope of Malolyzniak. His work qualified for the presentation stage of the "Najelpszy Dyplom" competition organized by SARP Oddział Lublin.
The hostel, designed to interfere as little as possible with the natural landscape, was located on the eastern slope of the Malolyznniak peak - one of the Red Peaks measuring 2096 meters above sea level. Two tourist trails intersect at the chosen location: the blue one, leading through Przysłop Miętusi, and the red one, running along the border with Slovakia. A hostel in this location would be the highest located hostel in the Polish Tatra Mountains, and in addition to safety, would also provide a resting place with exceptional scenic qualities.
situation analysis
design: Mateusz Rutkowski
shelter integrated into the mountainside
The shelter's body was inspired by rock debris, often found in this region of the mountains. The shelter building seems to flow down the slope with them. The facade is made of pine planks and covered with an openwork steel mesh covered with rocks from the debris. Such a confluence not only makes the designed chalet blend in even more with the landscape, but also alludes to traditional methods of drying wood in stacks. Over time, the pine wood will be covered with a natural patina, which will only strengthen the building's relationship with its surroundings.
visualization
proj.: Mateusz Rutkowski
visualization
proj.: Mateusz Rutkowski
Inside, distinct usable zones have been separated. The entrance to the shelter is located in the northwestern part of the project. After passing through the vestibule, tourists can use the checkroom, where lockers for outerwear and a tap for washing equipment, among other things, have been designed.
On the first floor there is a catering and technical area, as well as a rest area for tourists, cozy thanks to a free-standing stove. From there there is also an exit to the terrace. The accommodation area, including the reception, office and kitchen, was placed on level -1. The modular installation with hammocks placed there, allowing for temporary rest, refers to the tradition of sleeping on the floor in mountain shelters. The shelter provides rooms for 3, 6 and 8 people without private bathrooms, rooms for employees, as well as an individual room adapted for people with disabilities. On the lowest -2 level, a drying room, a workshop and a tourist storage room, as well as technical rooms have been planned.
land development project
designed by Mateusz Rutkowski
place of reflection and regeneration
The project also includes the Pavilion of Quenching - a place for contemplation and regeneration. The pavilion is entered through a vestibule imitating the entrance to a cave. In it, an art installation is planned, which refers to the rock caves, created from stones excavated during the construction of the building. The pavilion blends seamlessly into the hillside and allows users to experience the unique character of this space in greater depth.
visualization
proj.: Mateusz Rutkowski
Mateusz Rutkowski's project is an example of designing tourist infrastructure in harmony not only with the natural landscape, but also with the traditional buildings of the Tatra National Park. Locating the hostel on the slope of one of the Red Peaks is a bold but reasonable proposal. It would be a 3.5-hour hike from the nearest shelter on the Ornak Hall and would provide shelter in this exposed, treeless terrain.
