Modular accommodation and the tourism industry

Modular construction and the tourism industry pair well together. We’re not talking about huge 5-star hotels with every amenity available but rather establishments aimed at affordable tourism and short-term accommodation or those seeking to minimise their carbon footprint. Additionally, building tourist or business traveller accommodation using modular construction results in a far faster return on investment, due to the speed of erection.

What is modular construction?

Modular construction is a process in which a building is constructed off-site, under controlled plant conditions, using the same materials and designing to the same codes and standards as conventionally built facilities – but in about half the time. Read this article by the Modular Building Institute for more detail on the processes and advantages relating to modular construction.

Currently, there are two main trends in tourism – the first being affordable tourism and the second being sustainable tourism. Modular construction fits well into these two trends, particularly with regard to accommodation units. 

Affordable tourism relates to the growing sector of people who wish to travel but do not have the budget for top of the range hotels costing many thousands per room per night. They do, however, want decent accommodation. Sustainable tourism refers to several initiatives but, in terms of accommodation, it applies to people who feel strongly that tourist accommodation should leave the natural setting as untouched as possible, that the structures should not have a high carbon footprint and that resources are responsibly managed. Modular construction aligns well with these requirements.

Container Conversions supply converted containers, flatpacks and parkhomes, all of which are modular construction units. The company can personalise and modify these units in order to align with the establishment’s requirements, thus providing units with a unique identity and branding. In addition, Container Conversions can provide furniture and fittings if required.

An example of a tourism project with a low carbon footprint is the Seychelles project undertaken by Container Conversions on behalf of Blue Safari Seychelles. Located in Cosmoledo, these vacation accommodation units are portable self-contained holiday accommodation units that provide luxury comfort, are open to the natural surroundings, and offer a low carbon footprint to the appropriated area. 6m used shipping containers were chosen for the project. These are robust and can be shipped easily both to and from the Seychelle Islands. A drop-down wooden deck unveils retractable glass doors which fold back to provide a panoramic landscape view of the surroundings. Not only does the deck protect the doors from damage during transport, but it also closes up the unit during the off-season against theft and the harsh marine climate experienced in the region. Isolated for privacy, these units blend into the surrounding environment, and when they reach the end of their life cycle, can be uplifted without leaving a trace of their existence, transported back to the mainland, and recycled for future use. Read more about the Seychelles project here.

Meeting both sustainability and affordable tourism needs is the Polokwane project, which offers comfortable, secure, and affordable accommodation to business and holiday travellers alike. The modular parkhome units consist of bedrooms, management offices, shops, entertainment, and reception units. These particular units were erected on site due to the location, with a lot of the preparation work completed in Container Conversion’s yard and delivered to site, thereby speeding up completion of the project. This made it possible to complete a motel facility offering all of the above within three months. Units include wooden decks, carpets, insulation, air-conditioning, electrics, and fully finished en-suite bathrooms.

To reduce the carbon footprint even further, dependent on the project requirements and the location, units can be built off-site in a controlled production environment, resulting in even less wastage and environmental impact on the building site.

Contact Container Conversions if you would like to know more about modular construction and the solutions it offers to the tourism industry.