With school funding in a dire state across the UK and pupil numbers rising by 15% come 2027, the lack of classroom space is a growing issue. If you’re looking to build new spaces on campus, the prices might be sending you into the depths of despair.
Traditional construction is time-consuming, weather dependent and comes at a high price. But innovation has stepped in with new construction technologies and improved processes. There is now a cheaper way to provide buildings.
Modular buildings for schools are a perfect option. Especially if you’re looking for high-quality, affordable space that won’t disrupt the day-to-day running of your school. This practical and modern construction method is helping schools nationwide increase their classroom space.
If you’d like to find out how modular buildings can solve your school’s space issues, you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s take a look at how choosing a modular design could be the answer to your problems.
What Are Modular Buildings?
The ugly, pre-fab buildings of old are gone. Modern modular buildings are aesthetically pleasing and designed with a purpose in mind. Built from high-quality materials, modular buildings are almost visually indistinguishable from traditional construction.
If you’re worried about your students freezing in a flimsy hut, there’s no need. Light-filled, airy spaces with excellent insulation, modular buildings are ideal as learning environments.
Modular buildings match your requirements and are constructed off-site. This makes them far easier to create than traditional construction.
While traditional buildings are permanent, modular construction is more flexible. You can move modules if needed and they’re still durable.
Using modular design has many benefits thanks to its fast and affordable construction. It’s now used throughout the NHS and many educational establishments, be that a full school, classroom or specialist SEN space.
How Choosing Modular Buildings Save You Time and Money
Few schools are sitting on pots of money and many are struggling to find enough space to accommodate their increasing pupil intake. If you’re in need of more space, chances are you’d like to achieve it within budget and in a short space of time.
Modular construction is particularly suited to busy spaces. It keeps disruption minimal and safety as paramount.
Here are a few ways in which modular construction will relieve you of budget-related headaches.
Constructed Off-Site
A traditional building requires on-site construction. Difficult to complete over the summer holidays, you’d have to manage the resulting daily disruption.
Constructed off-site, modular buildings are far simpler. When finished, they’re installed at the school in a short amount of time. This means that the dangers that can be inherent around building sites are minimised; foundations are constructed on-site and modular buildings craned in, reducing construction programmes.
Additionally, the site clean-up is cheap and fast unlike that of a traditional building site. Built predominantly in a factory, this method of modular construction minimises weather delays; the building programme can continue regardless of the season.
Made to Suit
Thanks to the flexibility of design, modular buildings are constructed to your exact requirements. You can work with designers to create the floor plan and space that suits your purpose.
From classrooms and bathrooms to lunch spaces and studios, modular buildings can be designed to fit your exact needs. They can also be built to accommodate the technology you need.
This might include broadband, secure access, security and projectors. By including these in the initial design, your modular buildings will be ready to furnish and use as soon as they’re installed.
Rigorous Safety
Schools are dealing with increased costs of renovating ageing buildings. As buildings age, they can become unsafe for students.
Modular construction follows the same high safety standards and regulations as traditional construction. Yet, it is far cheaper to upgrade and refit in the future and can achieve the highest levels of energy efficiency and sustainability.
Building sites are hazardous places too, especially on school grounds. With modular construction, site activity is at a lower level.
Faster to Build
Environmental hazards can cause lengthy delays on traditional building sites. Since modular buildings are constructed indoors and off-site, these delays are almost non-existent. This avoids the common, escalating costs of traditional builds.
Without excessive site movements or weather issues, construction is fast and straightforward.
A further benefit is the simultaneous preparation of the site’s ground and foundations. Module construction takes place at the same time as site preparation. The two are combined only at the end, saving significant time and money.
This makes modular buildings possible to install on the site during school holidays. Your students and staff will benefit from this, minimising disruption and ensuring the accommodation is ready on-site when required.
Environmentally Friendly
Time and cost will be major priorities for you as you look at increasing the usable space in your school. On top of these, environmental factors are also a priority for many schools looking ahead.
Modular buildings are far more environmentally friendly across a variety of factors. To save on cost, the design of modular buildings produces less waste. It also uses recyclable materials and reduces vehicle movements to the site.
Heating modular units is easier than traditional brick buildings as well. This is thanks to modern insulation and design. Energy efficiency not only helps the environment but helps your bottom line too.
Modular Buildings for Schools Keep Costs Down
Modular buildings for schools are no longer chilly sheds behind the chemistry lab. They now make sound financial sense. Designed with the learning environment in mind, students can be comfortable and productive.
Modular building keeps prices low. It avoids escalating costs and delays common in traditional construction. Built quickly and efficiently off-site, there’s little to no disruption on school grounds either. This allows students to begin a new term with new buildings, ready to use.
If you’re interested in using modular buildings to expand the space in your school, get in touch with us to find out more. From costs to design, we’ll talk you through the entire process.