The 120-room Travelodge Uxbridge Central Hotel, which is based outside London, UK, is the world’s first recyclable hotel. The hotel, which became operational in August 2008, is noted for its innovative use of 86 shipping container-style modules in its construction.
The modules, which have electrical sockets and bathroom facilities, allowed the construction of the medium-sized hotel in just 12 weeks. The hotel rooms’ fixture and fittings were produced in Shenzen, China.
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Recyclable modules
The module programme allowed the Travelodge chain to cut 10% from the cost of each build and improved the construction speed by 40-60%.
Constructing a new 100-bed hotel usually costs approximately £5m; however, this new building method reduced 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 also built a larger hotel, Travelodge Heathrow Central, using the same method. The hotel was opened at the end of 2008.
The modules were provided and managed by Verbus Systems, which is owned by the engineering firm Buro Happold, and the construction company George and Harding.
Building method
The Chinese-built modules are bolted together into a steel frame over eight storeys. The construction used two different sizes of container / module for double rooms (5m×3m) and family rooms (3.5m×6m).
The modules came with first-fit installation, with windows fitted on site. The modules arrived from Shenzen fully fitted, furnished and ready for transportation on a lorry. The modules were fitted together to form the hotel at the site in Uxbridge.
Verbus Systems uses prefabricated bedroom modules that are partially or fully fitted out. These modules are locked together on site to complete the internal fit-out. After this, the project is given the finishing touch by traditional brickwork or cladding exterior work. The modules are decorated and furnished.
Uxbridge Travelodge facilities
The hotel rooms feature a king-size bed, en-suite bathroom, wardrobe, mirror, desk and chair, plasma screen TV and tea and coffee-making facilities.
The hotel has a fully licensed bar. The exterior of the new hotel is decorated to maintain the look of the Travelodge chain.
All rooms are connected by a direct dial phone. The hotel also has WiFi internet access and all rooms are smoke-free.
Although the hotel does not have any onsite parking facility, guests can park their vehicles at the nearby chargeable parking area at Bakers Road Car Park, located opposite the hotel, or the Cedars and Grainges Car Parks, located 0.5 miles from the hotel.
