The motor lodge typology came into existence as a result of the automobile boom in America in the 1900s.
How do these architectural relics adapt to the 21st century?
Our response flips the drive-in style motor lodge format inside-out. By converting an existing central parking lot into a people-focused courtyard, parking is provided outside of the original motel campus. The interior design approach is inspired by atomic-age modernist furniture and graphic design. An existing double height boiler room is converted to lobby space, while the existing concrete, steel and glass guest rooms and suites are gutted and fully renovated. Supplementing the base program, a restaurant and event space building, new pool and hot tub round out the resort-style program. This $6m renovation of the Carleton House in Rocky Mount, NC was the result of an RFP commission and included master planning, architecture, interior design and experience design.
