Hotel Magdalena

Description

Hotel Magdalena stands as a testament to innovation and sustainability in architectural design. This boutique hotel and residences, which marries cutting-edge timber construction with an aesthetic that redefines the hospitality experience, earned various accolades and awards for its cutting-edge timber construction with an aesthetic that redefines the hospitality experience. 

Hotel Magdalena is a pioneering venture in North America, comprising three distinct buildings with heights of 4, 3, and 2 stories. What sets it apart is its innovative use of timber in structural elements and its profound commitment to sustainability. The heart of Magdalena Hotel’s unique design lies in its timber superstructure. The interior hotel rooms feature DLT (Dowel-Laminated Timber) panels on light wood frame bearing/shear walls. These panels are exposed at the ceiling, creating a warm and inviting ambiance in the rooms. Each building boasts an exterior exposed walkway structure composed of gapped timber panels on Glulam (Glued Laminated Timber) substructure, with wood exposed on both sides (floor and ceiling). Beyond the primary structural elements, the project incorporates various other timber scope elements. These include DLT elevator and stair shafts, hanging balconies, hybrid timber/steel staircases, and a stand-alone porte-cochere at the entrance, all showcasing the versatility and beauty of timber in design and construction. StructureCraft played a pivotal role as the engineer-builder on the project, working closely with Lake Flato Architects throughout the design and construction phases, leading to the successful completion and recognition of Hotel Magdalena.

Awards

Magdalena Hotel has received widespread acclaim, earning several prestigious awards, including:

• Best Project Design Award: This award recognizes the project’s exceptional design and contribution to architecture and construction.
• Sustainable Wood Design Award: Acknowledging the project’s commitment to sustainable timber construction and its positive environmental impact.
• The American Architecture Awards®: An esteemed recognition of the project’s excellence in architectural design on a national level.
• TxA Design Award: Presented by the Texas Society of Architects, this award highlights the project’s outstanding design contributions to the state of Texas.
• ULI Austin Award: Granted by the Urban Land Institute’s Austin chapter, this award celebrates the project’s innovative approach to urban development and design.
• WoodWorks Wood Design Awards: Recognizing excellence and innovation in wood construction, showcasing Magdalena Hotel as a leader in timber design.
• The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design: The project’s inclusion in the museum’s collection acknowledges its cultural and artistic significance.

Conclusion

Hotel Magdalena’s impressive array of awards reflects its innovative and sustainable approach to timber construction. This project inspires the architectural and construction industry, showcasing the possibilities of marrying cutting-edge design with environmentally conscious building practices. Hotel Magdalena is more than just a place to stay; it’s a testament to the future of sustainable and visually stunning architectural design.