This article explores how Forta PRO and Marriott partnered to create a modular hotel room based on their current design, Moxy
Forta PRO and Marriott connected in Copenhagen in 2019, when Marriott expressed an interest in creating a mock-up to show investors the quality available through modular construction techniques.
The stand-alone modular hotel room is currently located in Frankfurt and is available for investors to visit.
Kristaps Miķelsons, Forta PRO chief technology officer, explained that the design was relatively simple, since Marriott Moxy had a design book for each type of room that listed material specifications, dimensions, and other information.
Forta PRO translated those designs into modular drawings, they were approved by Marriott, and then Forta PRO ordered the finish materials from Marriott’s suppliers.
Showcasing the possibilities of modular construction
According to Miķelsons, the purpose of the prototype was “to dispel people’s doubts and show the possibilities of modular construction.” Marriott wanted to show investors the improved quality and increased speed available through a modular process. The hope was that investors would be impressed and partner with Marriott on future developments.
The project wasn’t without its challenges. Since the company is used to producing modules that are placed inside a building shell, the prototype had to be specially constructed with an exterior that was able to withstand the elements.
In addition, there were material shipping delays, as well as the difficulty of delivering the module to its final resting place when a crane couldn’t be set on site due to an underground parking structure. The crane had to be parked at a nearby gas station and movements had to be done with surgical precision.
Despite these difficulties, the project seems to have been a success, as the two are currently working together on several potential projects.
Forta PRO modular hotel building
Forta PRO began in November 2013 as SIA Forta Medical, as the company was producing high quality modular solutions for medical facilities and equipment. In March 2018, the name was changed to SIA Forta Prefab and the brand Forta PRO began.
Today, the company specializes in multistory multi-family and commercial modular buildings, including medical buildings, hotels, apartments, dormitories, and bathroom PODs.
They have two factories, with the main one in Ventspils, Latvia and the other in Jelgava, Latvia, and total output is 120,000 square meters per year. The Ventspils factory runs four production lines with a capacity of up to four modules per day and 75,000 square meters per year. Each module takes about twenty days to build.
Their projects are mainly located in the Scandinavian countries, the United Kingdom, Germany, and other countries in northern Europe.
Improvements in design and production
The advantage of their design for modular, multistory buildings is the structural strength provided by a rigid steel structure. With this structure, they can construct buildings up to eight floors high without additional reinforcement. Buildings above eight floors require a concrete core.
The modules are bolted together and to the foundation slab. Gypsum board and light steel frames are used for interior walls, and mineral wool is provided for insulation. Their production process boasts at least twenty quality checks to ensure the quality and strength of each module.
Shafts for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing networks are included in the modules and will be connected to those systems on-site.
Common corridors are left unfinished to allow for easier utility connections. With this setup, many of the module connections can be completed without entering the module rooms.
This article was written by freelance construction writer Dawn Killough on the MBI website. Read the full article here.
