The reserved palette of materials – cast-in-place concrete, glass and wood – is meant to be raw, authentic and refined. Carefully selected furnishings are designed to create a comfortable, uncluttered and liberated interior. Light wells carve through the corridors and full floor-to-ceiling glass is used in all guest rooms, which washes the interior spaces with generous amounts of natural daylight. The roof-level of the building features large luxury suites each with their own private outdoor balcony, as well as a pool terrace and bar complete with views of campus.

Contrasting the transparent base, the exterior façade of the building’s upper portion is a combination of charred wood and glass which is intended to serve as a monolithic wrapper, unifying the building’s dynamic form. Utilizing an ancient Japanese technique called “shou-sugi-ban,” the charring of the wood surface creates a natural resistance to rot, insects and decay. This process creates a unique texture and expression for the building which pays tribute to the university’s annual bonfire, acknowledging the project’s local context and community.

The play between the rusticated, charred exterior and the smooth, natural oak interior creates a novel sense of “arrival” when guests enter their rooms.