Modulift Spreader Beams Support Modular Hotel Construction in the United States
Modulift spreader beams played a vital role in the modular construction of the citizenM Hotel in the United States, where their versatility enabled a construction team to complete more than 200 lifts using 19 different lifting configurations.
citizenM employed a construction method that involved piecing together modular parts that were manufactured by Modulift’s customer, Polcom, of Poland. The seven-storey building includes six floors of modular units, each one requiring 19 unique lifts – the beam and sling lengths were different each time – and 228 in total throughout the project.
Construction firm Mortenson, which has built over 100 hotels across North America, accepted a scope of work as general contractor to assemble the 264 key modular building, which would eventually boast meeting rooms, a living room, bar area, and gym, in addition to the luxury bedrooms that represented the majority of the lifts by tower crane.
The project showcased how modular lifting equipment can support fast-paced construction programmes by providing flexible lifting solutions for a wide range of structural components. Rather than relying on multiple custom lifting systems, the project team reconfigured the same Modulift spreader beams throughout the build to meet changing lifting requirements.
By combining adaptable lifting equipment with careful planning, the team successfully delivered efficient lifting operations while maintaining high safety standards across the project.
Project Challenges in Modular Construction
Modern modular construction projects require the safe handling of prefabricated building sections that vary in size, weight and lifting geometry.
Unlike traditional construction methods, modular buildings are manufactured off site before being transported and assembled on location. This approach demands lifting equipment capable of adapting to multiple load configurations while maintaining stability and control throughout each lift.
For the citizenM Hotel project, more than 200 lifts were completed over the course of construction, requiring a lifting solution that could accommodate changing structural components without compromising efficiency.
Equipment Used for the Project
To support the modular construction programme, the project team utilised Modulift spreader beams configured in 19 different lifting arrangements throughout the build.
The modular design of the spreader beam system enabled engineers to quickly reconfigure equipment for different module sizes and lifting requirements, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated lifting systems.
This flexibility helped streamline site operations while ensuring each lift was completed using an engineered configuration appropriate for the load being handled.
MOD 24, MOD 34, MOD 50, and MOD 70 spreader beams were all utilised during the project. The longest and largest was a 30-ft.-long MOD 70, while the smallest and shortest was a MOD 24 at 5 ft. The slings were predominantly chain slings with shorteners so that the lengths could be adjusted to accommodate the aforementioned offset centres of gravity, with polyester slings to connect to the beams for the lower height rigs.
Sue Spencer, technical director at Modulift, said:
“Whenever Polcom begins a new product, they ship the equipment to site and we provide the rig drawings as their technical partner. This type of rig is flexible and nicely balanced. We could have come up with a custom designed frame, but this would have been heavier and more costly – and it would have been rigid rather than flexible. Also, because the customer has used our equipment on many module installations, they had the spreader beams required in their fleet. They only had to purchase a small quantity of spreader beam struts.”
Why Modular Spreader Beams Were the Right Solution
Construction projects involving prefabricated modules require lifting systems that can adapt quickly to changing site requirements.
Modular spreader beams offered several advantages throughout the project, including:
- Flexible lifting configurations
- Improved load distribution
- Enhanced lifting stability
- Faster equipment reconfiguration
- Reusable beam components
- Reduced equipment requirements across the project
The ability to modify beam configurations throughout construction enabled the same lifting equipment to support a wide variety of lifts, improving both operational efficiency and project flexibility.
How Modular Lifting Systems Improve Construction Efficiency
As modular construction continues to grow, adaptable lifting equipment has become increasingly important for contractors working with prefabricated structures.
Modular spreader beam systems help improve efficiency by:
- Supporting multiple lifting configurations
- Reducing equipment changeover times
- Accommodating different module sizes
- Simplifying lift planning
- Increasing equipment utilisation across projects
These benefits make modular lifting systems particularly well suited to large-scale residential, commercial and hospitality developments where repetitive lifting operations are required.
Technical Overview of the Project
| Specification | Project Detail |
| Project | citizenM Hotel |
| Industry | Modular construction |
| Total lifts completed | Over 200 |
| Beam configurations used | 19 |
| Lifting equipment | Modulift modular spreader beams |
| Construction method | Off-site modular construction |
The versatility of the modular beam system enabled the project team to complete a large number of lifting operations using a single adaptable lifting solution.
The Importance of Flexible Lifting Solutions for Modular Buildings
Off-site construction methods are transforming the building industry by improving quality, reducing construction times and increasing project efficiency.
As modular buildings become larger and more complex, lifting equipment must provide the flexibility to safely handle a variety of module sizes and weights throughout construction.
Modular spreader beams allow contractors to adapt lifting configurations as projects evolve, helping to reduce downtime while maintaining safe lifting practices.
This adaptability makes modular lifting systems an effective solution for hotels, residential developments, healthcare facilities, education buildings and other prefabricated construction projects.
Planning a Modular Construction Project?
Modular construction projects demand lifting solutions that are flexible, efficient and capable of adapting to changing site requirements. Selecting the right lifting equipment is essential for maintaining project schedules and ensuring safe installation.
Whether you’re lifting volumetric modules, structural steelwork or other prefabricated building components, Modulift’s engineering team can help identify the most effective below-the-hook solution for your project requirements.
Contact our team today to discuss your lifting application and discover how Modulift spreader beam systems can support safer, more efficient modular construction projects.