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Mexico's Recycled Concrete Tube Hotel

Posted by samzenpus on from the mario-approved dept.

Zothecula writes "Though the idea of sleeping inside a concrete tube probably doesn't sound that appealing, architect firm T3arc have found a way to make sleeping inside a pipe not only comfortable but also a holiday experience. Mexico's Tubohotel, which opened in 2010, is a unique and affordable holiday destination created from recycled concrete tubes. Located approximately 45 minutes south of Mexico City in the village of Tepoztlan, Morelos, the rooms of the hotel are stacked in a pyramid shape, reflecting the Aztec pyramid of El Tepozteco that overlooks the town."

5 comments

  1. Cooler? by antdude · · Score: 1

    Is it cooler in them during the heat waves?

    --
    Ant(Dude) @ Quality Foraged Links (AQFL.net) & The Ant Farm (antfarm.ma.cx / antfarm.home.dhs.org).
    1. Re:Cooler? by v1 · · Score: 1

      Is it cooler in them during the heat waves?

      I was thinking the same question. Stone and masonry can hold both heat and cold, it's a matter of which they're exposed to longer. The idea is to have it carry you through a shorter period of undesired temperatures. Brick in a fireplace radiating heat after the fire dies down and is out for the night, or cool concrete walls keeping the living room pleasant for the few hours direct light is shining in through the main windows.

      The provided picture shows shade over the tubes - I'd expect if you can keep them shaded they would work well to keep the temps inside a fair amount below outdoor temps. You'd want them facing north-south too, to prevent morning/evening sun from coming directly in on the ends. I'm assuming they took this into consideration.

      The bottom and top of the tube could also be used for cooling, vent the top much like you vent the attic in a house, and draw in cool air on the bottom, maybe even through a vent that runs a distance underground to cool the air before it comes into the tube. Such a system would be powered by convection and probably wouldn't even require a fan. Storing water in the space in the lower portion of the tube could further aid in keeping it cool during the day.

      --
      I work for the Department of Redundancy Department.
  2. Bathroom by whitedsepdivine · · Score: 1

    I didn't see any pictures of bathrooms, but it does make me wonder how they are going to solve that part of it.

    1. Re:Bathroom by antdude · · Score: 1

      RTFA? :P Hint: It's at the bottom.

      --
      Ant(Dude) @ Quality Foraged Links (AQFL.net) & The Ant Farm (antfarm.ma.cx / antfarm.home.dhs.org).
  3. Tilt the tubes a bit towards the back by Quila · · Score: 1

    Then do your business anywhere in the tube and wash it down.