Hotel Design and Engineering: BASE4’s Expertise and Projects

Design solutions for hotel development

Build Apartment Walls in a Factory

Reading Time: 5 minutes So, you want to dive into offsite, prefabricated, and modular, but your project doesn’t seem to fit. This article is dedicated to you—and how panelized construction can be the prefab solution to match your project’s unique spaces and size requirements. As you can tell from our previous columns on DfMA for multifamily, volumetric modular construction,
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Saving Time and Money With Bathroom Pods

Reading Time: 4 minutes Offsite construction is a timely solution for multifamily developers. Last week I showed you how Volumetric Modular Construction could work for your next multifamily project. As a continuation of this series, today we look at how a bathroom pod can solve multiple problems. Modular bathrooms are becoming increasingly popular with architects, developers, and builders for
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Open Apartments Faster with Modular

Reading Time: 5 minutes Volumetric Modular Construction for Your Next Multifamily Project Last week, I laid out the benefits of modular and prefabricated construction to increase quality and efficiency for your next MF–as well as the main types of offsite construction that might fit the specific needs of your next project. As a continuation of this series, today we
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Multifamily and the New Normal

Reading Time: 5 minutes The world is changing, and we need to keep up! As the AEC industry is finding its “new normal,” industrialized construction (IC) is the way to go. Multifamily developers who plan to build affordable housing will notice that traditional build is too slow and unreliable right now; IC can help, but it is important to
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How Industrialized Construction Can Improve the Housing Market

Reading Time: 4 minutes Right now, the news is dominated by reports about the need for simple and affordable housing. In particular, the multi-family market continues to be the talk of the town. Try as it might, the construction industry is having a hard time building at a price point that makes sense for developers who want to meet
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BASE4 Launches Construction College

Reading Time: 3 minutes BASE4’s Next Invention Introducing Stonepile Stonepile Highlights Over ten years ago, four partners launched BASE4 as a technology firm in the AE space. Right from the start, we understood the need for disruption in the AEC industry and need to attract the next generation of young, vibrant leaders to the field. To accomplish these goals,

Save Millions in Construction

Reading Time: 4 minutes Go Lean with Design & Labor Distribution Many of you may be running a lean business—and are doing great at it. It’s all about trimming the fat. But there are still a few places with savings potential where most don’t go lean: construction design, operations, and labor distribution. Because these factors largely depend on third
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Wood Modular 101

Reading Time: 9 minutes When to Choose Wood Modular There are a lot of questions around modular construction. After covering some basic frequently asked questions in my last email, let’s explore further. After choosing to go modular, you must decide between wood and steel modular boxes. Typically, 4- to 5-story buildings utilize wood boxes but you can go higher
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Rethinking Operations to Prevent Delays in Construction

Reading Time: 4 minutes Have you ever faced construction delays? Over 90% of major projects run overtime and over-budget.1 It’s true; we are all too familiar with projects running behind schedule. The dreaded delays directly affect revenue and increase overheads. And you likely know the usual culprits–labor problems, weather delays, sociopolitical factors, and coordination errors. But there’s no point
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Not All Construction Lending has Stopped

Reading Time: 4 minutes Hear it from a Lender AVANA Capital shares what they want developers to know Lending issues cause developers great concern—especially for projects in the early stages. What do investors and lenders think? It’s important to know that projects are still being funded with the lenders getting more selective. Still open for business, AVANA Capital is
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9 Common Questions About Modular, Answered

Reading Time: 7 minutes Volumetric modular construction is probably the most popular one of the modern methods of construction (MMC). But when discussing modular construction, I often get more questions than answers. I get it, even some of the seasonal developers could use some guidance sometime. So first of all, is modular construction worth investigating–or is it just a
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Dealing with Mid-Design Construction Projects in Economic Slowdown

Reading Time: 6 minutes Bonus: Tim Flacke of Midas Construction shares how they’re moving ahead with projects Resilience is in the DNA of developers. Simply giving up when the going gets tough isn’t how they roll. But it’s natural to feel stuck. After all, choosing what to do with your ongoing projects isn’t an easy job. Things become especially
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DfMA-IC Benefits Series

Reading Time: 3 minutes LET’S FIX COST OVERRUNS. Cost is arguably the strongest determiner of the construction process. When projects start going over budget–many compromises have to be made, often leading to unwanted schedule delays. Relative to original budget, average cost overruns of construction projects were at 70%–found McKinsey & Company.1 That’s incredible! What’s the Problem? Poor communication among designers,
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All You Need to Know About Securing Modular Construction Permit

Reading Time: 4 minutes Breaking Down Permitting For Modular Projects The building permitting process is already excruciating, and it can be even more overwhelming when trying out new building methods. Currently, modular construction is becoming increasingly important in the AEC field. So today, I address a common question: What’s the permitting process like for modular builds? For most modular
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Property Improvements Amid the Economic Slowdown

Reading Time: 5 minutes Space for Change Everyone is coming together to brainstorm productive things to do during this time. Here’s a window of opportunity for hoteliers. The hotel industry is hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, with RevPAR and occupancy levels at an all-time low. But there’s a silver lining for those wanting to make the best out
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Offsite Factory: Why You Should Consider Opening One

Reading Time: 5 minutes Yes, it’s not too far-fetched an idea, and I’ll tell you why. The Problems are not New We can all agree that a typical construction site of our times looks eerily similar to one from 50+ years back. Traditional construction practices–while sustained through the years–are not very efficient, to no fault of a single party.
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Emergency Modular Units Ready Now

Reading Time: 6 minutes How can Emergency Medical Utilize Prefabricated and Modular Construction? Highlights: Calls for Action Contact us immediately if you want us to find a hotel for you to convert, or if you have a hotel to convert. Instant emergency medical triage units available now. Contact us if you are considering modular hospital rooms. We’re open to forming innovative partnerships
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Pushing Forward amid the Slowdown

Reading Time: 3 minutes Let’s Slow Down a Little… and Keep Pushing Forward Yet another Covid-19 article—you’ve had enough of them. I can relate! If you’re still optimistically reading, I thank you. Consider this our small effort to provide some emotional relief during this unfair crisis. Stay healthy, stay indoors, and slow down a little! Pajamas and Kids! Many

Improve Schedules & Budget with Industrialized Construction

Reading Time: 4 minutes The Manufacturing of Construction Offering lucrative benefits and proven productivity, every developer can benefit from prefabrication If you have ever used mass timber, wall or roof panels, or other pre-assembled items in your project, then you are an adopter of industrialized construction—better known as offsite, prefabricated, or manufactured construction. There seems to be some gray area
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Meet us at Hunter and World of Modular

Reading Time: 2 minutes March Brings a Networking Boost! This month, BASE4 is attending two industry events—the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference and World of Modular. By way of this email, I invite you to connect with us in-person! Connect with us Let’s Meet at the Hunter Conference in Atlanta March 18–20, 2020 Not only are we exhibiting at the

(Almost) 40% Hike in Construction Costs—What to Do?

Reading Time: 5 minutes Construction costs have increased by nearly 5% each year for the last 5 years⁠—a nearly 40% cumulative increase!! This trend most likely will continue to climb in 2020. So, how can developers keep construction costs in check? In this article, we’ll explore the contributing factors to rising construction costs and good practices for developers to

Major Hotel Prototype Upgrades

Reading Time: 5 minutes Developing a hotel? Check out these upgraded brand prototypes Hotel prototypes–these well-researched designs drive a majority of the hospitality business. Hotel brands continuously evolve their prototypes to optimize revenue channels while enhancing guest experience. This article presents a few of the major prototype upgrades of reputed hotel brands. Click on individual cards for more details. Discover

An Economical (and Better) Way to Block Noise

Reading Time: 5 minutes Here’s how modular construction automatically fixes the noise problem Hearing the neighbors’ conversation in the next room is only good for movie plots! In reality, noise complaints hurt business. This much-discussed topic deserves more attention—and modular gives it a whole new outlook. So today, we’ll discuss how modular construction stacks up against traditional wall assemblies

DfMA: A Design Approach for Better Construction

Reading Time: 4 minutes Over the past two decades, the construction sector’s annual productivity growth has merely increased 1% on average compared to 3.6% for the manufacturing industry.1 An efficiency boost has become crucial for this trillion-dollar industry in this day and age. Good news is, modular construction is quickly emerging as a winning method to build. So, every developer should understand and make the
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A Productive Fourth Quarter

Reading Time: 8 minutes Here are our new and completed projects Happy New Year! As we bid adieu to 2019, I can’t help but share how monumental a year it was for us at BASE4. Quickly emerging as a trusted design partner in modular construction and expanding into multifamily & mixed-use design are just a couple of highlights. With

Unique Lighting Needs for Senior Living Facilities

Reading Time: 4 minutes Lighting is essential in every building, but its importance takes a central role when residents are seniors. Call it science, strategy, or creativity, but lighting design can make a world of difference to aging eyes. Today, I focus on a niche market, which has its own challenges and special lighting needs —senior living facilities. Lighting

Meet John Morefield, Our New Modular Expert

Reading Time: 6 minutes BASE4 strengthens its modular expertise As we strengthen our foothold in modular construction design at Modz4, we wanted yet another modular expert to join our awesome team. After months of searching, all paths led to none other than John Morefield, who joins BASE4 as an architectural construction manager and multifamily modular expert. Meet John Morefield 

BASE4 is Now a Preferred Best Western Design Partner

Reading Time: 3 minutes Here’s what we bring to the table Over the years, leading hotel chains have placed us among their preferred design firms. And now, we are thrilled to be a Best Western preferred architecture, engineering, and design firm. We thank and appreciate the Best Western team for this recognition! Here’s what BASE4 brings to the table

Inside the Next Generation Prototype from Staybridge Suites

Reading Time: 4 minutes Zoom into the new design features The extended-stay segment has shown to be increasingly popular. Between January and November last year, the extended-stay occupancy was 10 percentage points higher than the total hotel occupancy in the U.S. Twenty-eight thousand rooms were added to the inventory, with 6.9% demand growth. 1 Hotel brands have good reasons

A Closer Look at Water Heaters for Hotels

Reading Time: 10 minutes Are you prepared for the winter? Hotels increasingly have turned away from bathtubs and toward showers. This shift means every guest expects a hot shower—fast. And with winter just around the corner, this demand will only increase. So today, I discuss water heaters and answer your questions about selecting the most efficient water heater for your

Why Senior Living Facilities Need LED Lighting

Reading Time: 3 minutes Given the importance of lighting design in senior living facilities, we move on to discuss the best type lights for the job—LEDs. Most of us already prefer LED lights over the alternatives, read on to understand why you should choose Why LEDs LEDs have proven to be the most efficient lighting solution. In addition to
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Meet Our Senior Living Division, Vida4

Reading Time: 3 minutes Here’s to the generation born into the aftermath of World War II, who witnessed the Space Race, participated in the Civil Rights Movement and Vietnam War, danced along to disco, raised children through the age of Reaganomics, witnessed the fall of the Berlin Wall, and then raged into the birth of the internet, cellular phones,

Can Cross-Laminated Timber Change Construction for Good?

Reading Time: 5 minutes The reportedly sustainable prefab panels can be highly versatile By Rob Baker, Senior Project Manager If you look up cross-laminated timber on the internet, you’ll get pages worth of rather recent headlines suggesting its many uses in construction. A type of mass timber, CLT is emerging as a new-age construction material. In addition to roofing

Visually Immersive Senior Living Design

Reading Time: 3 minutes How can you ensure that your upcoming senior living facility lives up to your expectations? Architectural visualization would be your first step. You probably know about high-quality, digitally created images and videos that portray a project. Today, I dive into the various types and advancements in the technology. The Advancements It is faster and more
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Convert Traditional Project Plans into Modular Ones

Reading Time: 5 minutes Switching to Modular Here are some considerations and solutions You’ve been hearing a lot about modular these days. But when exactly is a good time to go modular—if at all? We recently had a dual-branded Marriott convert to modular from traditional design. Taking this opportunity, today I share considerations about when to go modular in

A Third Quarter Project Roundup

Reading Time: 7 minutes Our recent groundbreakings and completed hotel projects It’s been a busy and productive year so far at Base4. First of all, Base4 introduced a mixed-use and multifamily design division Casa4, which has been received well! Paired with our modular expertise at Modz4, we are now stronger and bigger than ever. With that, the third quarter

What to Expect from Hotel PIPs & Renovations

Reading Time: 7 minutes How you do it is more important than what you do Hotel renovations are big business. Whether it’s to stay ahead in a competitive market or to lengthen the property lifespan, most hotels undergo property improvements every few years. A survey by Choice Hotels stated that 2/3rds of their properties that accomplished renovations this year

Save Space with Efficient Stairs & Exits Placement in Your Hotel

Reading Time: 7 minutes Smart Space Planning with Stairs & Exits Can you have just one stairwell? Today, when elevators are an integral part of any multi-story building, no such development is complete without staircases. Our clients often come to us trying to decode the complex building drawings of stair towers and exits placement in a hotel. It’s important

Building Hurricane-resilient Projects

Reading Time: 5 minutes With practical tips for your next development The hurricane season is upon us, and our first instinct during storms is to find a shelter. But the house, building, or hotel we are relying on to shelter us experience the winds with a much higher impact. So, when designing building projects, we need to account for

A closer look at WoodSpring Suites development

Reading Time: 4 minutes The extended-stay market has been hot among developers. This segment has many contenders, ranging from midscale to upscale, catering to different guest demographics. Featuring one of the most straightforward prototypes, WoodSpring Suites sticks to a no-frills approach. The brand is designed to take less than 12 months to build and does the basics right. After
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Exclusive: Designing a 17-story Modular Boutique Hotel

Reading Time: 6 minutes Luxury Hospitality, Academia, Athletics, and Modular Designing one of the tallest modular hotels + quick tips for first-time developers Leading design development for one of the tallest modular hotels in the U.S. has taught me a thing or two about the ins and outs of large-scale prefab projects. Many developers are concerned about venturing into
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Have you considered a high-rise?

Reading Time: 6 minutes When to Choose a High-rise over a Mid-rise Land is not getting cheaper, and urbanization is on the rise! As land costs continue to rise, hotel developers are looking for new ways to maximize density on new projects. One way to increase guest capacity is to add stories to the hotel. Zoning restrictions limit the
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How to Customize Your Interiors While Maintaining Timelines and Budget

Reading Time: 6 minutes How to Customize Your Interiors While Maintaining Timelines and Budget “Let’s just go prototype.” How many times have you said this to your team? Many hoteliers choose an ID-light package because they want to save time and money—thinking that prototype interiors work just fine. While prototypes are designed to deliver optimized guest experience, custom interior
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Are Modular Elevators a Good Investment?

Reading Time: 5 minutes Prefabricated, Turnkey Elevators In five minutes, find out whether your next construction project can use a modular elevator Modular components can slash timelines for traditional builds. After looking into prefabricated bathroom pods last week, our modular expert Nate Loeffelholz concludes the series with another modular solution—modular elevators. Whether it’s the faster turnaround time for your
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How Bathroom Pods may benefit your traditional build

Reading Time: 6 minutes Ready-to-use Bathrooms Find out if prefabricated bathroom pods can be a good fit for your traditionally built project. Modular units can be a great time- and budget-saving tool for owners and developers. In our previous modular series, we focused on factory manufactured guestroom boxes, also known as volumetric modular units. In this article—which kicks off
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Keeping Up with Hotel Prototype Design Trends

Reading Time: 6 minutes A hotelier’s quick guide to what’s trending in prototype design Pivoting toward technology and younger generations, the hospitality industry is seeing frequent changes in the various prototype designs. Today, these design trends are easily recognizable and appreciated by not only individuals working in the A/E industry, but also your hotel guests. In this article, our
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR HVAC OPTIONS: HOTEL GUESTROOMS

Reading Time: 4 minutes It’s summer, and it’s hot! More than ever, the efficiency, quality, and cost of your HVAC system matters! As one of Base4’s senior MEP engineers, Hoang Le understands and engineers for the right system for your hotel. Here are his thoughts, and some links to helpful notes on this subject. Your hotel’s heating, ventilation, and
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The Rooftop Pool: Is it Right for Your Hotel?

Reading Time: 5 minutes It’s summertime and we are thinking about the outdoor spaces of your hotel. Last week, we kicked off our Rooftop series with practical tips for an awesome hotel rooftop. Today one of our senior engineers discusses rooftop pools. In this newsletter, Seon Jack, P.E., walks you through structural design considerations for supporting a rooftop pool
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TOP 12 IDEAS FOR AN INCREDIBLE HOTEL ROOFTOP

Reading Time: 7 minutes As the summer season begins, we thought of sharing some outdoor ideas to inspire your design choices. As a natural first step, we couldn’t resist the charms of a perfect rooftop design. In this newsletter, Base4 Senior Interior Designer, Luci Thompson, kicks off our two-part series on Rooftop Design. An effective rooftop design attracts travelers
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HILTON HOSPITALITY SHOWS OFF BAVARIAN-STYLE ARCHITECTURE

Reading Time: 3 minutes As hotel designers, we love to see months of design coordination come together. While getting creative with prototypes can be thrilling, some projects are really a highlight of our design portfolio—here’s one of our standout projects. (This Hyatt Place in Jacksonville also made the cut!) In the summer of 2015, we were awarded one of our most

HOW TO CHOOSE WORKSTATIONS IN GUESTROOM AND PUBLIC AREAS

Reading Time: 5 minutes How important is a guestroom work desk? It’s been debated for a while now. A few years back, some hotels tried eliminating this staple and ended up receiving mixed responses from business and leisure travelers. Guest feedback shows that the preferred desk would be strategically designed and well-placed in the room, allowing multiple purposes beyond
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GOING MODULAR SERIES: FINAL NOTES AND EASY REFERENCE

Reading Time: 5 minutes For the past month, we have dedicated our writings to inform you about the modular industry and how it could work for you. In this final newsletter, we provide an overview of these instructional guides, so you can save this email for easy-access reference when questions arise in the future. Below are overviews of the
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USING STEEL MODULES FOR YOUR MID- TO HIGH-RISE STRUCTURES

Reading Time: 11 minutes Using Steel Modules for Your Mid- to High-Rise Structures If you’re planning a mid- or high-rise construction, this piece is for you. Modular construction, as you know, is picking up everywhere. But what’s the catch? Is it safe for a high-rise? Should you consider prefab over stick-built? You may have had these questions for a
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MODULAR SOLUTIONS FOR HOTELS: QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Reading Time: 9 minutes Building Modular for Low- to Mid-Rise Structures: Next Steps Let’s assume you’ve decided to go modular with your next project. Now what? This third article in our series on modular explains your next steps. After choosing to go modular, you must decide whether to use wood or steel modular boxes. Typically, hotels of 4-5 stories
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STACK YOUR NEXT HOTEL IN TWO WEEKS!

Reading Time: 7 minutes Timing, Coordination, Quality, Budget: How Can Modular Work for You? Off-Site Construction is Trending Hoteliers have a lot on their plate right now! Here are just some of the current challenges in today’s AEC industry: Coordination problems among the various teams, like AEC professionals, vendors, contractors, subcontractors, permitting officials Speed-to-market concerns during this current skilled
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PRACTICAL GUIDE TO HOTEL ENERGY SAVINGS FOR THIS SUMMER AND BEYOND

Reading Time: 5 minutes After reviewing the practical points about thermal insulation from last week, let’s jump to real-world solutions that you can implement for your next hotel. Design Considerations An expert design team can design your hotel to conserve energy over time. Certain building materials, insulation practices, and design considerations may reduce your hotel’s energy consumption when understood
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REAL-WORLD OPTIONS FOR REDUCING HOTEL ENERGY CONSUMPTION

Reading Time: 4 minutes The average hotel room costs $2196 per year in energy expenses.1 Nearly half of the energy bill relates to HVAC and lighting costs. But costs will increase if your hotel experiences heating and cooling leakages in vulnerable areas. In this two-part newsletter series, I explore some practical ways hoteliers may optimize thermal insulation to reduce
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The AEC Industry is Ripe for Change: How to Keep Up

Reading Time: 4 minutes The construction industry is antiquated. It is inefficient. So, what can we do about it?To answer this question, our Base4 CEO, Dr. Garry Vermaas, delivered an address to 500 participants of the Hotel Point 2019 conference last week. In a charged up 60-minute session, Garry discussed innovative and practical ways to stabilize your business in

OPEN4BUSINESS: INTRODUCING HYATT PLACE JACKSONVILLE

Reading Time: 4 minutes Open4Business: Introducing Hyatt Place Jacksonville Today marks the beginning of a new series: Open4Business. In this monthly newsletter, we will share some of our completed projects that stand out as unique and worth celebrating. Complete with images and storyline, the newsletters will share industry wins and appreciate our clients and project partners across the nation.

PARTNERING UP!

Reading Time: 3 minutes Seamlessly pursue collaborative infomediaries through market-driven core competencies...
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WE’RE EMBRACING THE FUTURE OF CONSTRUCTION!

Reading Time: 5 minutes What is modular construction all about? We are frequently asked this question. The simple answer is: it’s a revolutionary construction method using prefabricated units for building faster and smarter. Also known as manufactured or off-site construction, modular units are produced in a controlled factory setting and shipped to construction sites—raising the construction industry to a
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SHOULD YOU GO MODULAR? – FAQs

Reading Time: 9 minutes Seamlessly pursue collaborative infomediaries through market-driven core competencies...
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Accelerate and Simplify Construction With Modular Units

Reading Time: 5 minutes Seamlessly pursue collaborative infomediaries through market-driven core competencies...
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CAN’T WAIT TO MEET YOU IN ATLANTA!

Reading Time: < 1 minute A few hospitality events are just unmissable! Along with Base4 CEO Dr. Garry Vermaas, I am attending next week’s Hunter Hotel Conference at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. Taking this opportunity to interact with many of our clients and acquaintances, Garry and I invite you to come say hello. Looking forward to awesome conversations with both
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GETTING STARTED WITH MODULAR

Reading Time: 3 minutes Seamlessly pursue collaborative infomediaries through market-driven core competencies...
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VIRTUAL REALITY FOR HOSPITALITY DESIGN

Reading Time: 3 minutes Virtual reality (VR) technology is taking both the architecture—and hospitality— industries by storm! From the old school paper-based drafting to relatively modern digitally produced 2D renderings, architecture has evolved into something much more lifelike. So what is VR after all? And why does it matter for your hotel? Here we go! A Different World Virtual
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LOOK INSIDE THE NEW HYATT PLACE PROTOTYPE!

Reading Time: 3 minutes Last year, Hyatt Place announced its reimagined brand experience—a new generation of hotels focused on three key areas: thoughtful design, enhanced well-being, and better value for World of Hyatt members. With this brand evolution now underway, Base4 has been working on several projects using the new generation prototype. Partnering with Hyatt Place hotels, we hope
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HOTEL LOBBIES: WHAT LOOKS GOOD?

Reading Time: 3 minutes You can tell a lot about a hotel by its lobby. Most guests judge the quality of their stay within minutes of first entering a hotel. For hoteliers, the lobby serves as a portal to showcase the hotel’s personality—and that’s why every detail counts! In today’s newsletter, I focus on your hotel’s lobby design and
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BASE4 UNVEILS A FRESH LOOK!

Reading Time: 2 minutes New year, new look! As our website gets a makeover, I am delighted to introduce to you Base4’s renovated and remodeled digital home. This upgrade honors and highlights our commitment to continuous improvement and enhanced experience. In the remaking of our digital address, ease of navigation and simplicity were our focus areas. You can expect

FIRE SAFETY: YOUR HOTEL DOESN’T NEED SPRINKLERS EVERYWHERE

Reading Time: 4 minutes Now that we have established why NFPA 13 is the right fire safety code for your hotel, today we explore one specific area of fire protection coverage that often leads to a great deal of confusion—combustible concealed spaces. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) requires that hotels be equipped with automatic sprinklers. While this is true
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FIRE SAFETY FOR YOUR HOTEL: NFPA 13 VS. 13R

Reading Time: 4 minutes The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) has an elaborate code structure to regulate fire safety according to different categories of occupancies. The focus of today’s discussion is a code called NFPA 13, which mandates sprinkler regulations. The code requires commercial occupancies, such as hotels and motels, to be fully sprinklered for fire protection. Our clients
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BASE4 APPOINTS CLO TO LEVERAGE LEADERSHIP

Reading Time: 4 minutes Base4 is thrilled to announce the appointment of our first female executive, Dr. Jodi Vermaas, as Chief Leadership Officer (CLO). This strategic move was commissioned by visionary CEO, Dr. Garry Vermaas, to solidify and expand Base4 as a global force in the A/E industry. Accomplished Leadership A wife, mother of 12, licensed mental health counselor, counselor

BASE4 NAMED AMONG TOP FIRMS BY HOTEL BUSINESS

Reading Time: 3 minutes The year ended on a positive note for us! The 22nd edition of Green Book by Hotel Business magazine recognized Base4 as one of their Top Architecture And Design Firms. We have been honored two years in a row, being named among the best and largest firms in the industry. Moreover, we were excited to

HOW PERMIT EXPEDITORS HELP OPEN YOUR HOTEL FASTER

Reading Time: 2 minutes If you are building a new hotel… congratulations! Now it’s time to obtain your building permit from city authorities. Everyone in hotel construction is aware of the complications involved in the permitting process. Consuming both your time and money—permitting gets complex as project details increase. That’s when a permit expeditor can help! As the name

HOW NEW TARIFFS MAY IMPACT YOUR HOTEL CONSTRUCTION COSTS

Reading Time: 4 minutes As I noted in my last newsletter, tariffs on FF&E imports are affecting the hospitality industry. Additional taxes on the imports of raw materials may change the landscape of the construction industry. Below I describe a few potential challenges that may affect hoteliers and builders in the coming years. Which Tariffs are Making an Impact?

NEW MOXY OPENS IN CHATTANOOGA TN!

Reading Time: 2 minutes I am thrilled to share with our readers that we had the pleasure of working on Marriott’s millennial-centric brand Moxy in Chattanooga. Only the ninth hotel from this brand nationwide– #Moxynooga opened downtown on November 15. The four-story hotel houses 108 guestrooms and social media-rich public spaces, catered for both leisure and business travelers alike. Our team of experts worked hard to deliver top-notch architectural

HOTEL FF&E TARIFFS

Reading Time: 3 minutes FF&E Tariffs In my last newsletter, I explained the pros and cons of modular elevators. Today I want to address a rising concern in the industry—U.S. tariffs on furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) used in hotels. Why the Tariffs Recent trade tariffs on Chinese imports have become a concern for developers in all industries. The goods being

HOTEL MODULAR ELEVATORS – BENEFITS & DRAWBACKS

Reading Time: 2 minutes Modular Elevators Last week, I introduced modular elevators and its features. Continuing with this subject today, I list the benefits and drawbacks below. Benefits Shorter Lead Time: It takes manufacturers about eight weeks to prepare the whole assembled elevator once project drawings are finalized. Better Quality: Every part of a modular elevator is prepared and assembled in a

HOTEL MODULAR ELEVATORS

Reading Time: 3 minutes Modular Elevators I often discuss modern hotel construction solutions, including my earlier series on modular hotel construction (Should you go modular with your next hotel? –  FAQ). Today I’d like to expand on this topic and discuss modular elevators. Whether it’s the faster turnaround time for your next hotel construction or a quick ADA upgrade for

WHAT ARE THE CODE ALLOWANCES FOR PODIUM CONSTRUCTION?

Reading Time: 4 minutes What are the Code Allowances for Podium Construction? In my last newsletter, I explained the basics of podium design and the benefits it offers to developers and hoteliers. Today, I discuss what is allowed by the International Building Code (IBC) when utilizing podium construction. What Are the Code Allowances? The IBC limits the number of
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BENEFITS OF PODIUM DESIGN FOR YOUR HOTEL

Reading Time: 4 minutes Benefits of Podium Design for Your Hotel In my last newsletter, I reported on the declining cost of wood framing after reaching historic highs. Today I’ll explain how developers utilize wood in podium construction to increase both the area and density for new-build projects. What is Podium Design?   Podium design consists of a 1-
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HOTEL WOOD FRAMING COSTS DECLINE

Reading Time: 2 minutes Hotel Wood Framing Costs Decline Last November, I reported a price increase in the U.S. softwood lumber market. When costs historically crossed the $600/1000ft board price earlier this year, hoteliers and developers grew increasingly concerned. Since June, however, the market has experienced a decline (see the graph below). In the wake of these turning tides,

HOTEL LAUNDRY: COMMON ISSUES & MAJOR EXPENSES

Reading Time: 4 minutes Hotel Laundry: Common Issues & Major Expenses In my previous newsletter, I discussed the basics of designing a hotel laundry area. Today, I present some important considerations for creating a well-maintained laundry system. I also discuss approximate hotel laundry expenses according to various hotel laundry needs. LAUNDRY ROOM PLACEMENT: High extraction hard mount washers tend

DESIGNING FOR YOUR HOTEL LAUNDRY FACILITIES!

Reading Time: 4 minutes Designing for Your Hotel Laundry Facilities! Hotel laundry plays a vital role in your hotel’s guest experience. The importance of clean, smooth, and fresh linens cannot be overestimated. The biggest challenge to achieving optimal laundry quality is the sheer volume of laundry. A typical 120-room hotel can process 400,000 pounds of the laundry in a

HOTEL WATER SOFTENER BASICS

Reading Time: 3 minutes Hotel Water Softener Basics In previous newsletters, I shared the basics of tank and tankless hot water systems. Today, I discuss one last and often overlooked component of the hotel water system – Water Softeners. What Does A Water Softener Do? A water softener is a tank system that removes the ions (i.e., usually calcium and magnesium) from
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HOTEL TANKLESS WATER HEATER SYSTEMS

Reading Time: 3 minutes Tankless Water Heater Systems In our last newsletter, I shared the basic considerations for designing hot water systems in order to avoid the colonization of Legionella bacteria. Increasingly popular is the Tankless Water Heater System. In fact, we are now including tankless systems in nearly 50% of our hotel designs. Below I explain the basics of these systems for hotel

HOTEL WATER SYSTEMS – DESIGNING FOR SAFE WATER

Reading Time: 3 minutes Hot Water Systems – Designing for Safe Water There are an estimated 8,000 to 18,000 cases a year of Legionella Disease in the United States. Legionella bacteria, the cause of Legionnaires’ Disease, is commonly found in water.  If your hotel’s domestic hot water system is not properly designed and maintained, Legionella can find a way
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HOTEL BOARDROOM DESIGN REIMAGINED!

Reading Time: 4 minutes Boardroom Design Reimagined! Guest preferences continue to evolve! As designers continue to reimagine more functional guestrooms and interactive common spaces, the underutilized boardroom also has begun to change shape. The formerly stale feel of boardroom design has been rapidly progressing into a multifunctional and creative space. Indeed, your hotel could offer dynamic boardroom space useful for
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HOTEL ROOFTOP POOLS: DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Reading Time: 3 minutes Rooftop Pools: Design Considerations Because of rising land costs, rooftop swimming pools are becoming a popular space-saving design option.  Setting up an elevated pool, especially one over habitable rooms, involves many design considerations.  Here are a few: Reliable Building Structure – Water is heavy! To put this in perspective, the amount of water in a standard
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HIGH-RISE DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

Reading Time: 4 minutes High-Rise Design Requirements High-rise hotels have the potential to increase your guest capacity. In my last newsletter, I explained at what point a hotel becomes classified as a high-rise building. In this newsletter, I present the key design considerations for high-rise structures (i.e., above 75 feet), including egress points, emergency systems, and structural integrity. EGRESS
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IS MY HOTEL A HIGH-RISE?

Reading Time: 2 minutes High-Rise Possibilities As land costs continue to rise, hotel developers are looking for new ways to maximize density on new projects. One way to increase guest capacity is to add stories to the hotel. Zoning restrictions limit the height potential on some projects; however, others have high-rise possibilities. In this article, I discuss the implications
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DOES MY HOTEL NEED A GENERATOR?

Reading Time: 3 minutes Does My Hotel Need a Generator? Hospitality leaders must prioritize the safety and comfort of their guests!  One important consideration is your provision of an uninterrupted power supply. Guests expect hotel power will be functioning, regardless of natural disasters or other unforeseen electrical malfunctions. During unanticipated power outages, maintaining a reliable power source is vital
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3D FLY-THRUS BRING YOUR HOTEL DESIGNS TO LIFE!

Reading Time: < 1 minute 3D Fly-Thrus Bring Your Hotel Designs to Life! A 3D fly-thru animation is a virtual video tour of your hotel design. These animations bring your project to life by showing the final product while still under design. Our clients use fly-thrus to enhance the design process. Developers also share these animations with their sales and
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HOTEL ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS – HOW MUCH DO THEY COST?

Reading Time: 2 minutes Hotel Energy Management Systems Part 3: How Much Do They Cost? Energy is the second largest hotel expense! Only staffing costs you more than your energy expenses. As I’ve discussed in my last two newsletters on this topic, reducing energy through an EMS is a great solution to help reduce wasted energy. But here’s the bottom line: What does
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ANNOUNCING BASE4 INTERIOR DESIGN!

Reading Time: 2 minutes Announcing Base4 Interior Design! Base4 proudly introduces our Interior Design Department! Earlier this year, we launched our in-house and US-based Interior Design Department- Base4 Interiors- with a team of skilled, experienced and innovative designers. With the addition of Base4 Interiors, our firm now offers full-service AE design, in-house. The intent of the expansion is improved integration of clients’
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HOTEL EMS – CONSERVE ENERGY WITHOUT SACRIFICING GUEST COMFORT!

Reading Time: 4 minutes Hotel Energy Management Systems Part2: Conserve Energy Without Sacrificing Comfort! In my last newsletter, I discussed Energy Management Systems (EMS) as an option to reduce energy waste in your hotel. One of the most common concerns about an EMS is that they shut off while hotel guests are sleeping due to lack of motion in the guestroom. After
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HOTEL ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS – SAVING HOTELIERS ON OPERATING COSTS

Reading Time: 3 minutes Hotel Energy Management Systems – The Basics A typical hotel room can be unoccupied nearly 70% of the time! In addition, hotel guests are much less concerned about saving energy in your hotel than at their home. Therefore, many hoteliers pay to heat, cool, light, and power TVs for a guestroom with no one in it.
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ELECTRIC MRL VS HYDRAULIC ELEVATORS: WHAT IS RIGHT FOR YOUR HOTEL?

Reading Time: 4 minutes Electric MRL vs Hydraulic Elevators: What is Right for your Hotel? In my last newsletter I answered some of the most common questions we receive regarding hotel elevators. Today I’ll discuss the two most popular types of elevators in low-rise hotels, Electric Machine Room Less (MRL) Elevators and Hydraulic Elevators. Electric MRL Elevators THE BASICS: This innovative system revolutionized the

WHY YOU NEED A GUESTROOM MASTER SWITCH!

Reading Time: 4 minutes Why You Need a Guestroom Master Switch Forty-four states require hotel guestroom master switches of some type. The code requirements behind master switches can be confusing as there are varying requirements by state. Additionally, this area of the code constantly changes to meet new energy regulations. All this leads to many questions regarding master switches–
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SELECT THE RIGHT ELEVATOR FOR YOUR NEXT HOTEL!

Reading Time: 5 minutes Select the Right Elevator for your Next Hotel! Passenger elevators play a vital role in hotel guest circulation.  In this article, I discuss some basics of elevator design and selection to ensure you make the right decision for your next hotel. We often receive questions from hotel developers about proper elevator selection. Here I address