Project of a Capsule Hotel as an Infill Development on Halicka Street in Cracow

Cracow Technical University (Politechnika Krakowska), Kraków

Project idea

The project proposes an innovative capsule hotel as an infill development on Halicka Street in Krakow’s historic Kazimierz district. The concept explores how contemporary architecture can respond to the growing demand for flexible and affordable urban accommodation while addressing the challenges of limited space and increasing urban density.
Inspired by the principles of capsule architecture, the building is conceived as a compact and adaptable structure composed of prefabricated residential modules attached to a central core. The project reinterprets the idea of the capsule as a fully equipped, functional living unit designed for the needs of today’s highly mobile society. Through modular construction and prefabrication, the proposal promotes efficiency, adaptability, and sustainability while reducing construction time and material waste.
Located within one of Krakow’s most vibrant and culturally significant districts, the building seeks to establish a dialogue between historical urban fabric and contemporary architectural experimentation. The project aims not only to provide short-term accommodation but also to demonstrate the potential of modular architecture as a viable solution for future urban development. By combining innovation, functionality, and sensitivity to context, the proposal creates a distinctive architectural landmark that reflects changing lifestyles and the evolving nature of city living.

Project description

The proposed building is situated within a narrow urban plot, completing an existing gap in the historic street frontage of Kazimierz. The hotel consists of eight above-ground storeys and a basement level. A total of 36 fully equipped accommodation capsules are attached to a reinforced concrete central circulation and service core. Each capsule is designed for single occupancy and provides an ergonomic sleeping area, personal storage space, lighting, and ventilation.
The ground floor accommodates the reception and entrance area, while the basement contains technical rooms and service facilities. Vertical circulation is provided by a staircase and a glazed external lift integrated into the façade composition, ensuring convenient access to all floors while emphasizing the modular character of the building. The architectural expression highlights prefabrication and modularity, with the capsule units visibly articulated on the facade. The project offers a compact, economical, and efficient accommodation solution for travellers while contributing positively to the urban fabric of the historic Kazimierz district.

Technical information

The building is designed as an eight-storey capsule hotel with a basement level and is based on a reinforced concrete central core that accommodates the main structural, circulation, and technical functions. The core contains the staircase, a glazed passenger lift, technical shafts, and service spaces. Attached to the core are prefabricated accommodation capsules constructed using a lightweight steel frame system. Each capsule is manufactured off-site as a fully equipped modular unit, including integrated furniture, lighting, ventilation, electrical installations, and storage space.
The capsule mounting system is designed to allow rapid installation, replacement, and removal of individual units. Installation is carried out by sliding the prefabricated capsule onto a projecting structural anchor connected to the central core. The anchor is fitted with a protective sleeve that prevents damage to the building envelope and thermal insulation. Once positioned, the capsule is secured using additional mechanical fixings that ensure structural stability and user safety. The modular system allows individual capsules to be detached and replaced without affecting neighbouring units or the main building structure.
The building contains a total of 36 accommodation capsules distributed across the upper floors. The ground floor accommodates the reception and entrance lobby, while the basement houses technical rooms, storage areas, and service facilities. Interior furnishings are manufactured from durable laminated panels with integrated storage solutions that maximize functionality and conceal building services. The use of prefabricated construction technology significantly reduces construction time, improves execution accuracy, minimizes on-site waste, and increases the adaptability and sustainability of the building. The project demonstrates the potential of modular architecture as an innovative solution for contemporary short-term accommodation in dense urban environments.