Jasper Hostel Showcases Speed and Sustainability of Modular Construction

Overview

Hostelling International Canada needed to expand its Jasper facility in a national park with unpredictable winter weather. Modular construction was chosen for timeline certainty and environmental sustainability.

The project used 66 modules built off-site in Horizon North’s temperature-controlled manufacturing facility in Kamloops.

Key Facts

• Project: HI Jasper hostel expansion
• Modules: 66 total modules
• Buildings: 4 buildings
• Main lodge: 25,000 square feet
• Stories: 3-storey lodge
• Capacity: 157 guests
• Rooms: 25 four-bed shared rooms, 17 private rooms, 5 family rooms
• Timeline: 10 months from manufacturing start to opening for first guests
• Manufacturing start: August 2018
• Opening: June 2019

Project Components

• Hostel
• Two staff accommodations buildings
• Maintenance facility

Amenities

• Guest laundry
• On-site cafe
• Kitchen
• Patio with BBQ and fire pit

Why Modular Construction Was Used

Modular construction helped meet two main goals: certainty in the schedule and reduced impact on the surrounding environment. Off-site manufacturing also supported a high-quality build.

Compared with a site-built project, the article says the modular approach saved up to 50 per cent of the time.

Sustainability and Site Impact

• Minimal waste was created in the manufacturing facility
• The site footprint was smaller than a conventional build
• Less time was spent on site
• Fewer deliveries and less traffic were needed
• Noise and dust were reduced

Result

• Completed with minimal impact on the environment, visitors, and residents
• Functional and trendy design

Award

The project received First Place honours in the Permanent Hotel category at the 2020 Modular Building Institute’s Awards of Distinction.

Hostelling International Canada’s Pacific Mountain Region said the modular approach helped deliver a modern hostel in a timely and sustainable fashion.