The brief was to design a small hostel building that would sit adjacent to the Client's existing hostel facility, located at Bishops Lane, Killarney. The backlands site is accessed from the Main Street, and was occupied by a disused, three-storey, stone granary building with modern 1950's extensions and additions. The brief was to provide quality accommodation for travellers, with small-scale guest rooms (generally catering for 2-4 persons per room) whilst maintaining the social and communal aspects of the hostel environment.

Due to the confines of the narrow laneway, the foyer and courtyard spaces of the new building are not immediately apparent, but are gradually revealed as the guest approaches the hostel. The terraced seating within the foyer manages the level difference between the courtyard and existing hostel entrance. An open circulation access deck to the bedrooms, together with the terraced seating and communal lounge facilities, help animate the courtyard.