Travelodge Hotel, Uxbridge, United Kingdom

The 120-room Travelodge Uxbridge Central Hotel, scheduled to open in August 2008, is notable for its innovative use of 86 shipping container-style modules in its construction.

The modules, which already have electrical sockets and bathroom facilities installed, will allow the construction of the medium-sized hotel in 12 weeks.

MODULES

The module programme will allow the chain to cut 10% from the cost of each build, while improving construction speed by 25%. The approximate cost to construct a new 100-bed hotel comes out to approximately £5m. The new building method is expected to reduce this to £4.5m.

Travelodge aims to build around 40 hotels a year until 2020, becoming one of the largest providers of accommodation in the UK, with a targeted 10% market share. Aiming to use the module design for 50% of its new estate properties, Travelodge could make cost savings of up to £10m a year.

Travelodge is also building a larger hotel using the same methods at Heathrow, which will open at the end of 2008.

The modules are being provided and managed by Verbus Systems, which is owned by the engineering firm Buro Happold, and the construction company George and Harding.

METHOD

The Chinese-built modules are bolted together into a steel frame over eight storeys. The construction uses two different sizes of container/module for double rooms (5m × 3m) and family rooms (3.5m × 6m).

The modules currently come with first-fit installation, with windows fitted on site. In the future, the modules will arrive from China fully fitted, furnished and ready to go.

PROGRESS

The modules are being decorated and furnished. The rooms will feature a bed, en-suite bathroom, wardrobe, mirror, desk and chair, plasma screen TV and tea and coffee making facilities.

The exterior of the new hotel will be clad to maintain the look of the chain.