Hostelling International

The greenest property in Hostelling International's US portfolio enhanced the brand and raised its profile in Boston's hospitality market

Hostelling International USA’s mission is “To help all, especially the young, gain a greater understanding of the world and its people through hostelling.” The premiere provider of accommodations to young travelers worldwide, HI USA’s popular Boston programs outgrew their Fenway location. HI leadership recognized an opportunity to raise their profile in Boston by creating an urban flagship with multipurpose public spaces that deepen connections between the organization and the amenities outside its doors. Hostelling International chose a historic building on the edge of Boston’s Theater District for its street-level storefronts and spacious floors. Working alongside Stegman Associates (Associate Architects), Bergmeyer developed the multifaceted program, which guided space planning and informed the selection of furniture and finishes. Capitalizing on the innate efficiency of hostel accommodations and building on adaptive reuse as a strategy, the team designed a hostel that earned LEED Silver certification. Sustainable and energy efficient features include high-performance space heating and cooling systems, building envelope enhancements, high recycled-content furniture and finishes, bicycle storage, reduced lighting power density, and regionally-sourced recycled building materials. Rather than specify photovoltaic panels, the design incorporates solar thermal panels to optimize hot water heating, a significant portion of HI’s energy consumption. Signage and QR codes encourage travelers to learn more about the building’s integrated sustainable strategy.

It has been great to work with the Bergmeyer team to design and build a world-class youth hostel that will be a model for sustainable travel. The Bergmeyer team were enthusiastic partners in our journey. They listened to our needs and understood our mission. They helped us achieve our goals not only for green design and LEED certification, but also for a beautifully designed facility that would raise the profile of hostelling by creating an urban flagship with new design thinking, more publicly-oriented spaces, and a greater visibility in Boston’s cultural community. — Deborah Ruhe, Executive Director (Hostelling International USA)