Explore the benefits of modular hotels, student residences and workforce housing

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for employee housing, hotels or dormitories. Many new facilities are being built and, according to business analysts, investors are keen to take on these types of projects. This is due, among other things, to the good macroeconomic situation. Prefabricated buildings characterised by durability and speed of construction are gaining in popularity.

Benefits of modular construction

Prefabricated part buildings are surprisingly functional. They comply with safety standards, fire safety requirements and health and safety regulations. The constructions are in no way inferior to traditional solutions - comfortable conditions allow both rest and study. Modular systems are characterised by very good thermal insulation, aesthetically pleasing appearance They have heating, plumbing and electrical systems. They are equipped with energy-saving and environmentally friendly devices such as heat pumps.

Versatility is also worth mentioning among the advantages. Premises can be expanded at any time. To enlarge the space, appropriate components are installed. Such work does not take a long time, so the inconvenience for the modernised premises is kept to a minimum.
Prefabricated hotels, dormitories and employee housing - step-by-step implementation

The advantages of prefabrication include speed and complexity of fabrication. Most of the structural elements are manufactured on site. On site, the prefabricated elements are assembled and the installations are connected. This process - depending on the scope of the project - takes from several hours to several days. The time it takes to commission the property is up to 50% shorter - compared to properties built using conventional methods. How do the various stages of construction proceed?
Stage 1 - Design work

On the basis of the guidelines provided, design and execution documentation is prepared.

Stage 2 - Production of modules

The factory creates prefabricated units fitted with sanitary installations, as well as complete HVAC systems.

Stage 3 - transport and assembly of the finished elements

The prepared parts are transported to the designated location, positioned using heavy-lift cranes and joined according to the technical instructions.

Stage 4 - Final works

The team takes care of activities related to the finishing of the building, such as completing the façade or making window and door joinery.

Prefabrication - facts and myths

There are many misconceptions circulating about prefabricated buildings. Below are the most common concerns and questions from investors:

Building from prefabricated parts is not sustainable - a myth

Buildings made of pre-designed elements are resistant to mechanical damage, adverse weather conditions. The modules produced are characterised by very good parameters, and the premises prepared from them, can serve for many years.

The modular system is more expensive than conventional solutions - a myth

Construction costs are very similar. In the case of prefabricated installations, most of the work is carried out under controlled conditions, eliminating additional charges associated with design errors.

Problems with customising space - a myth
The designs take into account the investors' guidelines, e.g. regarding the size of the rooms, the number of floors, the appearance of the façade. Some also decide to designate additional sanitary, utility or technical rooms.

Less controllability - a fact

The components are manufactured in a closed production facility. For this reason, end users are not involved in all stages of the construction process. Instead, they are involved in determining the design concept and may also be present when the modules are assembled.

Difficult expansion of facilities - a myth

The module buildings are characterised by their mobility, which makes them freely adaptable. Among other things, the system makes it possible to extend the premises with additional storeys or to add new rooms. The ability to move the modules from place to place makes this task easier.

The need to prepare space on the construction site - a fact

The components are delivered to the project site by truck. The modules are positioned using a special crane, whose load-bearing capacity and outreach are adjusted to the parameters included in the design. Adequate preparation of the project site will also enable the components to be transported efficiently and positioned correctly.

Prefabricated construction is an excellent solution

In Poland - compared to Sweden, Denmark, Norway, the UK, Germany - the market share of prefabricated buildings is relatively small. However, a report published by Roland Berger shows that this situation is slowly changing. It is forecast that by the end of 2022 there will be more than 2,000 prefabricated houses in our country. The advantages of modular construction are recognised by both entrepreneurs and directors of public facilities.

Sources:

JLL report, "Investment land market in Poland

Report "Prefabricated housing market", Roland Berger, 01.2018