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 stories a building […]
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- or 2-story concrete […]
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, I present the following […]
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 to vibrate, […]
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 year! […]
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) […]
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 […]
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 to […]
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 […]
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 pool (i.e., 24’ […]
