In the last few years, a new technique for construction and/or extension of hotels has spread. This technique is called modular construction. It is chosen by many entrepreneurs and developers for the consequent advantages in terms of time and cost.

The hotel business is constantly evolving, discovering new trends and looking for different paths best adapted to the general evolution of the world of work. As we know, speed and saving are today the two most important pillars on which it is possible to create an efficient production. In this panorama, modular construction is getting an established reputation, both as an innovative approach in building and both as a design tool, in addition to the above-mentioned economic advantage.

What is modular construction?

Modular construction is a building process that assembles materials or components of a building in an off-site location, then transported and assembled at the final building site. This building method may include the whole building or just parts of it. This technique is very conducive to develop hotels, particularly where there is a need or a will to expand the structure. Modular construction is a sustainable turn-key that drastically reduces construction time, by offering a quality product based on the standards of the hotel brand and by using approved materials, window frames and furniture.

Modular construction may be applied to Hotel development through three main ways:

Full modular: it happens when the off- site assembling concerns whole rooms or entire areas of the hotel.

Partial modular: it happens when the off- site assembling concerns only a part of a hotel room or area, such as a bathroom

System kits: it happens when there is a need for electric, hydraulic or mechanical systems construction. In this case, all stations will be carried out off-site and then installed on the spot.

What are the pros and cons of modular construction?

Entrepreneurs who have chosen this system have generally achieved very satisfactory results, even if some improvement still need.

Pros: faster construction process, environmentally friendly and climate-neutral.  Speed is given by a more skilled labour intensity and by a low level of waste material. This last point is also part of the environmental benefits. Compared with traditional construction methods, waste is almost non-existent and the building machines are used in fewer operations. Lastly, climate-neutral means that, with the off-site processing in a controlled manufacturing environment, operations are not subject to adverse climate. This way avoids material damage and operators work more quickly and safely.

Cons: the disadvantages mostly involve funds and design phase. Generally, the banks give money for the implementation of on-the-spot construction. To obtain funding for modular construction is more difficult. From the perspective of planning, by choosing the modular construction for your hotel, you must have a clear idea right away. Paradoxically, modular construction design require more time compared to the construction in itself, because everything will be decided in a precise and definitive manner. Contrary to the traditional build, modular construction does not allow many changes during the process or even plan the building step by step.

Modular construction is already applied since years for other sectors, while for tourism it is a relatively new practice. For all the benefits listed above, it is possible that modular construction will be the technique of the future, in order to create your hotel in the simplest and fastest way.

As Cooperative of Outsourcing Hotel Services, Gruppo La Meridiana follows with interest any development in the tourism sector, in order to share new scenarios with partners and clients, also through consultancy.