Bunk House

The Complete Guide to Bunk Houses: Market Trends, Types, Benefits & Buyer Tips

Bunk houses are a practical and economical solution for multiple individuals to sleep and have basic living needs in one building. Bunk houses are based on the military barracks, farm worker housing, and cabins for summer campers. Today, bunk houses can serve as a temporary place for workers to stay while they are at work or be used as a compact living unit for vacations. Bunk houses differ from conventional hotels and motels in that bunk houses provide primarily function—large sleeping units, durable finishing, and layouts designed to maximise sleeping capacity.

Market Dynamics

Recent travel trends such as ecotravel and adventure travel are creating greater demand for small-size lodging at camps and "glamping" locations. Regulations regarding building codes/sanitation standards and local zoning restrictions also affect what type of lodging is available in each market; for example, some markets require permanent construction, whereas other markets allow for temporary or modular units. Many of the supply-side drivers are related to the advances in modular technology, available prefabricated materials, and the increasing number of suppliers providing turn-key delivery and set-up services of the bunkhouse.

Market Size

Depending on different segments, the global bunk house market can be quantified differently. The modular worker accommodation market is part of the modular building and prefabricated housing markets, together comprising a multi-billion dollar international marketplace. On a regional basis, there is an accumulation of demand for bunk houses where there exist large seasonal worker populations (agriculture and mining) and robust tourism economies. Many small bunk style units are also absorbed into the short-term rental sector, particularly in mountain, beach and festival locations. In summary, bunk houses are a stable niche with sustained demand, and therefore, represent a significant portion of the wider modular housing market.

Growth Trends

1. Modularity and Prefabrication - Faster construction times, Reduced costs, and Increased quality assurance.

2. Sustainability - Utilization of Recycled Materials, Solar Energy, and Efficient HVAC Systems to Lower Operational Expenses.

3. Intelligent Technology - Basic IoT applications (i.e., Access Control Systems and Energy Monitoring Systems) are becoming more widely utilized in bunkhouses.

4. Regulatory Convergence - New regulations are establishing Standard Methods of Sanitation and Fire Safety for Multi-Occupancy Structures.

Know More About the Bunk House

A bunkhouse is defined primarily on the basis of how sleeping arrangements are organized and how the communal facilities (kitchen, bathrooms and common area) are shared among the occupants. There are many different styles of bunk houses from single-room hostels to more modern configurations of several rooms with private sleeping compartments. Constructions that may form these various styles are (but not limited to) refurbished shipping containers; wood cabins; steel-made modular units; yurts and other temporary structures (i.e. tents). Creating a bunkhouse, it is important to focus on its durability, facilitation, proper ventilation, and safe storing of the property of all the residents.

Types of Bunk House

1.Permanent Modular Bunkhouses.

2.Portable/Temporary Units

3.Hostel Style Bunkhouses

4.Private Pod Bunkhouses

5.Glamping/Outdoor Bunkhouses

6. Hybrid Models

Advantages of Bunk House

• Cost-efficiency

• Speed of deployment:

• Scalability

• Low maintenance

• Community living

• Flexibility

Application

They are used in bunk houses in numerous industries:

• Construction & Mining Camps

• Agriculture

• Tourism & Hospitality

• Education & Youth Programs

• Emergency & Relief

• Events & Festivals

• Military & Government

Latest Models

The current design of bunkhouses emphasizes comfort to occupants and the modular system under which they can be put in the bunkhouse. The following are some of the current designs: multi-module units with full bathroom; insulated panels with the ability of using the bunkhouses during 4 seasons; and with high density sites which are made using stackable containers. Most of the more modern bunkhouse designs include:

1. A private sleeping "pod" located in the middle of a shared shell to allow for privacy

2. Modules combining living and sleeping space with both kitchen and bathroom functions

3. Prewired solar-capable roofs with pre-wired battery systems for off-grid locations

4. Tool-less assembly for extremely fast installation.

The manufacturers have developed configurable "families" of modules that allow for variation/depression of individual modules (sleep away unit, restroom/facility modules) according to site-specific needs.

Features

Key features to consider when evaluating a bunk house:

• Sleeping configuration

• Sanitary facilities

• Insulation & climate control

• Kitchen/common area

• Security

• Mobility

• Sustainability features

• Certifications & compliance

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Economical per-person cost.

• Quick implementation and expansion.

• Diversity of application.

• Reduced environmental effects upon construction using efficient materials.

Cons

• In traditional layouts, there may be a lack of privacy.

• Perception problems: there are those users who consider bunk houses simple or institutional.

• Hurdles in the rules and regulations of certain areas (zoning, wage-labor housing legislation).

• Initial capital on more quality modular units may come at a huge cost but this will be amortized over the years.

Your Essential Buyers Guide

1. Purpose and Occupancy Identification: To start designing a facility, the designer should identify the maximum the proposed use of the facility and short or long term stay. This will help the designer establish the right layout, right number of sanitation facilities and right finishes that should be used.

2. Site and Regulations: Before designing a facility, the designer must ensure that the selected site's zoning, building codes, and health regulations meet local requirements. The designer must also check to see whether any permits are required for the installation of a permanent structure on the selected site.

3. Choosing the Type of Construction: Permanent modular (modular)construction shall be used for long-term facilities. For short-term facilities, the use of portable shipping containers is to be considered. For aesthetic reasons, the designer may consider using timber cabins.

4. Planning Utilities: The designer must decide how to supply the utilities (i.e., electrical power, water and sanitary sewer services) for the facility. Utilities may be provided by way of the electrical grid, or alternatively, utilities may be provided off-grid via the use of solar energy or water tanks. In addition, HVAC systems must be included in the overall design to provide for climate control of the facility.

5. Sanitation Ratio: The designer should provide a standard number of beds to toilet/shower facilities. This ratio varies depending on how the facility is intended to be used and according to local regulations. The more private the sanitation facilities, the higher the level of satisfaction for the resident of the facility.

6. Durability and Maintenance: To ensure a long life and low level of maintenance, the designer should use materials that resist moisture, are easy to clean and maintain, and that can be serviced with minimal effort by a trained technician.

7. Safety and Security: Fire-rated wall and ceiling assemblies; means of egress; a secure storage area; sufficient lighting; and a means of communicating emergencies are all important to ensure the safety and security of the residents and visitors to the facility.

8. Comfort-Enhancing Features: Quality mattresses; sound abatement; privacy curtains/pods; and good ventilation systems will reduce complaints and the rate of resident turnover at the facility.

9. Customization and Future Needs: Choose a supplier that will allow for the future growth of the facility by adding modules or reconfiguring the interior as the needs of the facility change.

10. True Cost of Ownership: Assess the initial cost of the facility. Assess the final cost of transporting and installing the facility. Assess the cost of connecting the facility to utilities. Assess the ongoing cost of maintaining the facility. Assess the expected lifespan of the facility.

11. Supplier Reputation and Warranty: Compare supplier's business practices by using case studies, obtaining references from previous customers, and ensuring they have written warranties and support agreements.