Getting the Facts on Modular
The real truth on how to get started with a modular hospitality project
Words and photos courtesy of Metric Modular Groundbreaking technology, materials, and designs have revolutionized the modular construction industry. Around the world, leading hotel brands have recognized the benefits of modular construction.
Considerations for Modular Construction Modular construction is still a new direction for many project developers, owners, architects, and franchisees, and the major barrier to adoption is the lack of knowledge on how to undertake a modular project. Hospitality developers often see the risks associated with undertaking a new construction method without recognizing the benefits and solutions offered.The key is obtaining early project guidance from experienced modular construction companies on the viability of modular for use in the proposed project. Many of the modular industry providers are willing to provide early unbiased feedback on the viability of a project with little or no cost to the owner. When choosing an experienced modular provider to assist with modular feasibility, the provider should be able to walk the owner and team through the modular construction process and explain the differences between modular construction and typical site construction. The modular provider should also be able to bring in and recommend partners that are familiar with modular construction to assist the owner in early project assessment. 10 » The Trowel
One of the keys to successful modular development is multidisciplinary collaboration at the earliest stage of planning. This typically occurs at the schematic design stage of design development. With a site survey, an experienced architect or modular builder can provide some early modular feasibility planning and building massing to understand whether modular is the right construction method for the proposed project. If evaluation of modular construction is brought in too late in the design process, architectural and consultant time and money will have been squandered to properly evaluate modular. If design has gone past the point of modular decision making, it’s recommended that the project continue down its chosen construction method path. The decision can be made at the Schematic Design stage. Armed with a modular feasibility study and rough order of magnitude (ROM) on construction costs, the owner will be able to decide whether modular is the right method for their project. When modular development is adopted at the onset of a project, it provides solutions to common construction industry problems such as schedule and cost overruns, and compromised quality, including: • Design errors and scope change • Schedule and delivery delays • Uncoordinated contractors
