PituRooms, a seven-bedroom hotel in Central Java, Indonesia, has been ingeniously designed by architecture studio Sahabat Selojene. Situated on a narrow plot measuring only 2.8 meters in width, this unique hotel has earned the title of the “skinniest hotel ever” by the studio.
The location of the hotel, sandwiched between an alleyway and other houses in Salatiga, was previously overlooked and considered a “dumping ground” due to the challenges it posed for construction. However, Sahabat Selojene saw this as an opportunity to showcase their creativity and expertise. Founder Ary Indra took on the challenge and not only designed but also operates PituRooms. The aim was to demonstrate how limitations can be transformed into potential.
With 200.000 people living in cool climate due to its elevated position of 600 m from sea level, this town in Central Java is blessed with vast view of surrounding mountain and lake. With only 7 rooms of different theme, the hotel is a new beacon with its rooftop lounge becomes a hotspot to enjoy natural attraction amidst predominantly low rise buildings. It’s been dubbed the skinniest hotel ever.
“Aside from the technical difficulties, the biggest challenge was the typical mindset surrounding the hospitality industry that is used to superlative words: biggest, tallest, most luxurious,” Indra told urdesign. “Here we are skinniest.”
“We tried very hard to turn this limitation to become our strongest selling point, that this is a built study of micro-space, and guests can experience the possibility of living and choreographing their movement in ‘just enough’ space,” Indra continued. “So far the reaction we receive from our guests is that they are amazed by how little space is actually needed to live and move comfortably.”
Given the constraints imposed by the site’s size and location, the utilization of pile foundations was not feasible. Consequently, Indra collaborated closely with structural consultants to devise deep well foundations, effectively mitigating any potential torsional forces on the slender, towering concrete edifice.
The building comprises five floors, with bedrooms and employee spaces located at the ends of the building. A central steel staircase, intersected by gridded metal walkways, connects each level. To enhance its exterior, the block has been adorned with panels of Agra Red sandstone. Additionally, the eastern facade features a series of angled openings resembling gills, which serve as ventilation for the central circulation area.
Each bedroom is uniquely characterized by custom artworks and color palettes. Furthermore, two square windows in each room provide picturesque views of the surroundings. On the top floor, a bar and restaurant extend onto a terrace at the back of the hotel, offering guests panoramic views of the city. The plant room situated above protrudes into two cantilevered steel cages, extending from the narrow ends of the building.
Furthermore, apart from serving as an accommodation for visitors, the hotel also aims to function as a dynamic hub for the local community. It organizes a diverse range of events and tours to engage and involve the community.