A Benchmark for Circular Architecture and Industrialized Construction
- Jan 4
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 5
Today, the Moxy Hotels chain boasts numerous properties worldwide, standing as a prime example of circular architecture. These structures are designed to be fully disassembled and transported, allowing for potential relocation—a revolutionary approach in the hospitality sector.
The development of these hotels is a collaboration between the Swedish Inter IKEA Group (as designers) and the Italian firm Wood Beton (as general contractor). Wood Beton is a leader in timber and wood-concrete prefabrication, utilizing several patented systems to push the boundaries of off-site construction.
In Italy, two recent projects highlight the efficiency of this method:
Moxy Hotel Malpensa: Completed in just 6 months, featuring 172 rooms across 4 floors (5,600 sqm).
Moxy Hotel Linate: Built in 8 months, offering 200 rooms across 6 floors (7,200 sqm).
The Construction Process: Precision and Speed
The heart of these projects is an industrialized system using 3D prefabricated CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) modules. These modules are built entirely in the factory, complete with integrated finishes and mechanical/electrical systems. To complement the timber structure, Camuna Prefabbricati provided reinforced concrete components.
This shift toward industrialization ensures higher quality standards and increased safety on-site. Key to this success is the use of BIM (Building Information Modelling) during the advanced design phase. By finalizing every detail before construction begins, costly on-site variations are eliminated.
The production capacity is impressive: the facility can produce four (4) 3D modules every eight (8) hours (equivalent to eight rooms). Additionally, 2D elements like walls, floors, facades, and roofs are produced simultaneously, with a yield of 36 panels every eight hours. All components are sized for standard road transport, ensuring logistically seamless delivery to the site.
Economically, this approach reduces costs by approximately 15-20%. Given that 76% of Italy’s building stock is over 40 years old—and over 85% falls into low energy classes (Class D or below)—this industrialized model represents a viable solution for large-scale urban regeneration.
The "ARIA" Construction System
The ARIA system is a specialized construction method consisting of timber-frame walls paired with a collaborative external concrete slab. These hybrid panels are pre-assembled in the factory and feature an internal air cavity (hence the name "ARIA").
Combined with high-performance insulation, this system provides:
Exceptional Thermal & Acoustic Insulation: Significant savings on heating and cooling.
Hygrothermal Comfort: Better humidity and temperature regulation.
Structural Synergy: The concrete provides solidity and durability, while the wood enhances aesthetics and interior comfort.
Safety: High seismic resistance and superior fire safety performance.
Circularity and Material Reuse
By definition, the materials used in these structures are designed for a second life. Because the hotels are built using the off-site 3D ARIA system and modular panelling, the entire building can one day be disassembled.
