Today we discuss how to design hotels for disassembly in a sustainable approach. We are going to explore a fascinating topic: how demolition can be integrated into the design and construction of hotels and resorts. Yes, you heard that right: demolition as a design feature!

What is Design for Disassembly?

Design for disassembly (DfD) is a concept that aims to reduce waste and environmental impact by designing buildings that can be easily taken apart and reused or recycled. DfD considers how each component of a building can be separated, recovered, and reused in a new context. This way, instead of sending tons of materials to landfills, we can extend their lifespan and reduce the need for new resources.

Why Design Hotels for Disassembly?

Hotels are one of the most resource-intensive types of buildings, as they require constant maintenance, renovation, and replacement of furniture, fixtures, and equipment. According to a study by Cornell University, hotels generate an average of 29.5 kg of waste per room per day, which amounts to millions of tons of waste per year globally. Most of this waste ends up in landfills or incinerators, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation.

Disassembly Bornholm Hotels

By designing hotels for disassembly, we can reduce the amount of waste generated by hotels and create more value from the materials used. For example, we can reuse furniture, fixtures, and equipment in other hotels or donate them to local communities. We can also recycle building materials such as wood, metal, glass, and concrete into new products or use them as raw materials for other industries. This way, we can save money on disposal costs, create new revenue streams from recovered materials, and support circular economy initiatives.

How CREATOR’S Design Hotels for Disassembly?

We design hotels for disassembly using a modular approach. This means we divide the hotel into smaller units or modules that can be easily assembled and disassembled on-site. Each module consists of a prefabricated steel frame that supports the walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, plumbing, electrical wiring, and HVAC systems. The modules are then transported to the site and connected to form the hotel structure.

The modular approach has several advantages for designing hotels for disassembly:

• It reduces construction time and costs by allowing for mass production and standardization of modules in factories.
• It improves quality and safety by minimizing errors and defects during fabrication and installation.
• It enhances flexibility and adaptability by enabling customization and reconfiguration of modules according to different needs and preferences.
• It facilitates disassembly and reuse by allowing for easy detachment and separation of modules and their components.

Amsterdam CitizenM | Courtesy CitizenM

At CREATOR’S, we also use sustainable materials and practices throughout the design and construction process. For example, we use recycled steel for the frames, low-VOC paints and coatings for the walls, energy-efficient LED lighting for the rooms, and water-saving fixtures for the bathrooms. We also implement green building certifications such as LEED and BREEAM to ensure that our hotels meet high standards of environmental performance.

Conclusion

To design a hotel for disassembly means to think ahead of how the hotel can be taken apart and reused or recycled at the end of its life cycle. This is a sustainable approach that reduces waste, saves resources, creates value, and supports a circular economy. At CREATOR’S, we are experts in designing hotels for disassembly using modular techniques and sustainable materials. Contact us today to find out how we can help you create your next hotel project with disassembly in mind.

These are some of the secrets that I have used to help my happy clients create their hybrid hotel models. If you want to learn more about how I can help you turn your hotel into a hybrid one, please contact me at bert@bertbykes.com. I would love to hear from you!

To Your Success!

Bert Bykes @ + Contact

Images: As Noted

+ Post-Construction Review