Skip to content

On Location with Modular Construction

The Hawaii Film Studio is a film studio known for its work on TV shows and movies such as Hawaii Five-0 and Jurassic Park. Initially, the proposed 7,000 sf office project went over budget using conventional construction, leading the Hawaii Film Studio consider modular construction. Additionally, due to tight time constraints, the general contractor, G70, informed the client that in-factory construction was the only way to meet the project’s compressed timeline. The technical innovation of having the building constructed at the same time as the site was being developed was paramount to saving time and providing the facility before the start of filming the new season of Hawaii Five-0.

After looking into modular, the studio realized that WillScot’s modular solution provided them with the functional facility they needed while leaving enough room in their budget to cover costs for contamination control, construction waste removal, fluid leakage from trucks and equipment rentals. Additionally, choosing modular ensured there would be minimal onsite clean up as most waste materials and hazardous fluids would be handled at the factory some 2,500 miles away at the Blazer Industries facility in Oregon.

The designers worked with the factory to address all of the technical needs of the film studio’s specialized departments, including wardrobe, props, art, production, and graphics. The building was completed at the plant to save time and comply with noise requirements at the site. The building was also designed to allow future expansion, providing the ability to move buildings around and create new configurations as needs changed.

The building is located near the entrance to the historic Diamond Head State Monument. As such, the state required the office to blend with the surrounding landscape. The building was finished with earthy colors that matched the volcanic terrain.

Inside, the facility was customized with PTAC cool/heating systems to maintain humidity control and prevent damage to the film crew’s wardrobe, prop production and storage. It was also outfitted with custom electrical components and lighting to support the film crew’s computer and design needs.

In all, the project was completed in 275 days and in time for filming the new season of Hawaii Five-0!

This article originally appeared in the Modular Advantage Magazine - Second Quarter 2019 released in May 2019.

More from Modular Advantage

An Insider’s Guide to the 2025 World of Modular

The Modular Building Institute is bringing its global World of Modular (WOM) event back to Las Vegas, and with it comes some of the industry’s best opportunities for networking, business development, and education. Over the course of the conference’s four days, there will be numerous opportunities for attendees to connect, learn, and leverage event resources to get the most out of the conference.

Affordable Housing Now: The Industry’s Best Bring New Solutions to World of Modular

While the modular building industry has long known that it can be an effective solution to increase affordable housing, the word is slowly spreading to more mainstream audiences. Three presentations at this year’s World of Modular in Las Vegas hope to provide insight and direction for those seeking a real solution to the crisis.

Opportunities for Innovation in Modular Offsite Construction

Modular Offsite Construction has already shattered the myth that it only produces uninspired, box-like designs. Architectural innovations in module geometry, configurations, materials, and products make it possible to create visually stunning buildings without sacrificing functionality or efficiency.

Safe Modular Construction with Aerofilm Air Caster Transport

In collaboration with Aerofilm Systems, Heijmans developed innovative skids using air caster technology for moving modules easily and safely. These pallets are equipped with an auto-flow system, making operation extremely simple.

Miles, Modules, and Memes: Building a Modular Network One Flight at a Time

At the end of the day, social media is just another tool for building connections, and like any other tool, needs to be used skillfully to work properly. Use social media thoughtfully, and it will open doors to real opportunities and relationships you didn’t even see coming.

Falcon Structures: Thinking Inside the Box

Some of Falcon’s latest projects include creating container solutions for New York’s Central Park and an East Coast professional baseball team. More and more, Falcon is shipping out container bathrooms and locker rooms to improve traditionally difficult work environments, like those in oil and gas or construction.

UrbanBloc—From Passion to Industry Leader

UrbanBloc specializes in three main categories or markets – what they call “Phase 0” projects, amenities, and urban infill. Clients are often attracted to shipping containers because from a real estate perspective they are considered an asset. Having the flexibility to move and transport these assets allows owners to respond to different circumstances in a fluid manner that they can’t get with standard construction.

The Hospitality Game-Changer

“Hospitality is about more than just providing a service – it’s about delivering an experience,” says Anthony Halsch, CEO of ROXBOX. “And that’s where containers thrive. They allow us to create spaces that are unique, efficient, and sustainable.”

Container Conversions Counts on Simplicity to Provide Critical Solutions

Container Conversions has fabricated and developed thousands of containers for varied projects, including rental refrigeration options, offices, kitchens, temporary workplace housing, and mobile health clinics.

Revelution Containers and S. I. Container Builds: On a Mission to Revelutionize Housing

Rory Rubun and Pam Bardhi are on a mission to create more housing. Together, they plan to build shipping container eco communities similar to single-family subdivisions, and mixed-use buildings in urban settings. They also want to expand the footprint of ADUs across the nation.