APARTMENT HOTEL

28 OF MAY APARTMENT HOTEL

City hybrid – Dare to be different

Project Overview

Client: Private
Program: Apartment hotel and multifunctional facilities
Status: Concept, 2019

The 28 of May Apartment Hotel is envisioned as a bold experiment in the heart of Baku, where history meets contemporary urban life. The site sits next to the Central Railway Station, built in 1880, an architectural and infrastructural landmark that has connected Baku to the rest of Azerbaijan and beyond for nearly 150 years. This location creates a unique dialogue between cultural heritage and forward-looking development.

Urban Context

The site is exceptionally well integrated into Baku's public transport system — with bus, metro, and train stations in immediate proximity — reducing reliance on private cars. The main pedestrian flows and commercial activities are concentrated along Azadliq Avenue and around the central station, while the nearby Xirda Bazar adds a layer of local character and vibrancy to the surroundings.

Key Parameters

  • Total area: 16,500 m² (including basement)

  • Total apartments: 170

  • Parking spaces: 28

Concept: Concrete vs Timber

A central theme of the project is materiality and structural performance:

  • Concrete frame, masonry clad: 20–25 kN/m²

  • Timber frame, masonry clad: 10–15 kN/m²

Timber is favored as a sustainable, lightweight, and earthquake-resilient alternative to concrete. Its reduced structural load contributes to more efficient foundations while offering a warmer, more natural character to the building.

Performance & Strategic Value

  • Space Optimization: Revitalization of an abandoned concrete structure within the urban fabric.

  • Material Efficiency: Favoring timber for sustainability and resilience.

  • Energy Performance: Natural finishes and sustainable strategies enhance environmental efficiency.

  • User Experience: Diverse functions merge and interact, enriching the urban lifestyle.

  • Strategic Value: Multiple programs coexist under one roof, ensuring flexibility, resilience, and long-term value.