lina ghotmeh architecture develops zero carbon hotel room concept with modular design

‘a room for imagination’ by lina ghotmeh architecture is a zero carbon hotel room concept designed as a modular living space. part of the exhibition ‘hotel metropolis – since 1818’ in paris, the project envisions a multifunctional living space that can easily adapt to the needs of its temporary inhabitants. starting with the thickness of its walls, users can define its functions, which may vary from a place to work, meet, welcome people, or sleep.

all images © takuji shimmura, drawings courtesy of lina ghotmeh architecture

‘hotels have developed their common spaces by opening their lobbies to include for example, bars, cafeterias and coworking spaces. hotel rooms have instead evolved much less; they remain a shrine to decoration surrounding an immovable bed,’ notes lina ghotmeh architecture. ‘but isn’t this a good time to transform them, to adapt them to our domestic state in a world where flows are only increasing?’ envisioned as an environmentally sustainable concept, the 24 sqm room opens a world of possibilities in terms of habitat, recreation, and work.

‘a room for imagination’ allows guests to inhabit it in different ways, from temporary visits to discover a city, to longer stays when such a space becomes an extension of one’s own home. starting with the thickness of its walls, users can define its functions according to their specific needs, transforming it from a place to sleep, to one where they can work, meet people, or practice their hobbies. made of wood and covered in natural fibers, the room’s walls block out all sound and reveal or conceal functions and components on demand, from beds to closets, tables, chairs, showers, and toilets.

the room has a total surface area of 24 sqm, and comes with a window that opens wide onto the city, and lighting that is integrated into the wall. envisioned in the spirit of reuse, the project gives new life to the materials that form it: the pink-colored shower flooring comes from transformed sands; the bathroom tiles were created with a variety of salvaged materials; plates are made from mussel shells; and bedding is made from recycled linens.

‘it feels good to be in this decarbonized space, your bare feet touching the raw earth floor,’ adds the paris-based studio. ‘traveling to the other end of the earth becomes an intimate experience, being at home in an elsewhere that opens our imagination to a world of possibilities in terms of habitat, recreation, and work.’