Modular buildings for education - Revision history

Editor at 17:06, 15 January 2021

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	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

		+	* Crown Commercial Service CCS.
	* Kit house.		* Kit house.
	* Live event production.		* Live event production.

Designing Buildings at 08:45, 13 November 2020

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Editor at 11:20, 1 November 2019

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Designing Buildings: moved Modular Solutions to Place Planning Issues to Modular buildings for education

2014-12-15T10:52:52Z

moved Modular Solutions to Place Planning Issues to Modular buildings for education

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Revision as of 10:52, 15 December 2014

Designing Buildings at 10:52, 15 December 2014

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	In this article, Robert Snook, Director and General Manager of Portakabin Hire, looks at how modular solutions can help schools and local authorities overcome place planning issues, and what education providers should consider when specifying interim accommodation.		In this article, Robert Snook, Director and General Manager of Portakabin Hire, looks at how modular solutions can help schools and local authorities overcome place planning issues, and what education providers should consider when specifying interim accommodation.
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	'''--[[User%3AThe%20Portakabin%20Group\|The Portakabin Group]] 11:56, 1 December 2014 (UTC)'''		'''--[[User%3AThe%20Portakabin%20Group\|The Portakabin Group]] 11:56, 1 December 2014 (UTC)'''

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	*Kit house.		*Kit house.
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	*Modular Solutions to Place Planning Issues		*Modular Solutions to Place Planning Issues
	*Off-site prefabrication of buildings: A guide to connection choices.		*Off-site prefabrication of buildings: A guide to connection choices.

Designing Buildings at 10:52, 15 December 2014

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The Portakabin Group at 10:21, 2 December 2014

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−	The accommodation can be configured and fitted out to a school’s exact requirements – as classrooms or dining rooms, for example. There is no risk to the school or local authority – the building can remain in use for as long as it is needed. And the approach gives education providers complete flexibility – the floor area can easily be increased or reduced in line with local needs.	+	The accommodation can be configured and fitted out to a school’s exact requirements – as classrooms or dining rooms, for example. There is no risk to the school or local authority – the building can remain in use for as long as it is needed. And the approach gives education providers complete flexibility – the floor area can easily be increased or reduced in line with local needs.<br/>
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	'''Interim Accommodation Should not Compromise Children’s Education'''		'''Interim Accommodation Should not Compromise Children’s Education'''
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	And buildings can be installed during school holidays to minimise any disruption to teaching.		And buildings can be installed during school holidays to minimise any disruption to teaching.
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	'''A Cost-effective Solution to Place Planning Issues'''		'''A Cost-effective Solution to Place Planning Issues'''

The Portakabin Group at 14:31, 1 December 2014

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	The provision of interim teaching accommodation using modular construction is a highly effective solution that more local authorities and schools are turning to. The approach enables schools to react very quickly to an increase in demand for school places, which can be difficult to predict, particularly at reception level.		The provision of interim teaching accommodation using modular construction is a highly effective solution that more local authorities and schools are turning to. The approach enables schools to react very quickly to an increase in demand for school places, which can be difficult to predict, particularly at reception level.
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	The accommodation can be configured and fitted out to a school’s exact requirements – as classrooms or dining rooms, for example. There is no risk to the school or local authority – the building can remain in use for as long as it is needed. And the approach gives education providers complete flexibility – the floor area can easily be increased or reduced in line with local needs.		The accommodation can be configured and fitted out to a school’s exact requirements – as classrooms or dining rooms, for example. There is no risk to the school or local authority – the building can remain in use for as long as it is needed. And the approach gives education providers complete flexibility – the floor area can easily be increased or reduced in line with local needs.
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	In order to meet individual schools’ requirements and budgets, modular buildings can be standalone units, single-storey cluster departments, two-storey schemes and whole school configurations. And the buildings can be fitted out for a variety of uses – from general classrooms to reception and administrative centres, break-out and social spaces, and kitchen and dining facilities.		In order to meet individual schools’ requirements and budgets, modular buildings can be standalone units, single-storey cluster departments, two-storey schemes and whole school configurations. And the buildings can be fitted out for a variety of uses – from general classrooms to reception and administrative centres, break-out and social spaces, and kitchen and dining facilities.

−	~~<br/>~~	+	[[File:Portakabin Highgate School 6982-043.jpg\|2100x1400px\|alt=Portakabin Highgate School 6982-043.jpg]]

	'''Providing Accommodation on Constrained School Sites'''		'''Providing Accommodation on Constrained School Sites'''
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	Schools also need to be aware that, as in other sectors, not all suppliers are the same, and not all will be able to provide the services required for a particular project.		Schools also need to be aware that, as in other sectors, not all suppliers are the same, and not all will be able to provide the services required for a particular project.

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	'''How to Select a Modular Building Partner'''		'''How to Select a Modular Building Partner'''
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	*Air permeability performance for lower running costs. Ask to see independent test results to verify claims		*Air permeability performance for lower running costs. Ask to see independent test results to verify claims
	*Can the supplier meet the full range of education solutions required? Infant toilets, wet play areas, special needs, science, food technology, dining etc.		*Can the supplier meet the full range of education solutions required? Infant toilets, wet play areas, special needs, science, food technology, dining etc.
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	Schools should also ensure that the modular manufacturer has the following accreditations and approvals in place for further peace of mind:		Schools should also ensure that the modular manufacturer has the following accreditations and approvals in place for further peace of mind:
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	*Dun & Bradstreet Rating for financial stability.		*Dun & Bradstreet Rating for financial stability.

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	'''How Modular Construction is Meeting the Sustainability Agenda'''		'''How Modular Construction is Meeting the Sustainability Agenda'''
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	'''[http://www.portakabin.co.uk. www.portakabin.co.uk.] '''		'''[http://www.portakabin.co.uk. www.portakabin.co.uk.] '''

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	[[Category:Construction_management]]		[[Category:Construction_management]]

The Portakabin Group: Created page with " '''In this article, Robert Snook, Director and General Manager of Portakabin Hire, looks at how modular solutions can help schools and local authorities overcome place planning ..."

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Created page with " '''In this article, Robert Snook, Director and General Manager of Portakabin Hire, looks at how modular solutions can help schools and local authorities overcome place planning ..."

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'''In this article, Robert Snook, Director and General Manager of Portakabin Hire, looks at how modular solutions can help schools and local authorities overcome place planning issues, and what education providers should consider when specifying interim accommodation.'''

 Demographic changes caused by an increase in the birth rate and in immigration levels have led to a serious shortfall in primary school places across the UK.

The provision of interim teaching accommodation using modular construction is a highly effective solution that more local authorities and schools are turning to. The approach enables schools to react very quickly to an increase in demand for school places, which can be difficult to predict, particularly at reception level.

The accommodation can be configured and fitted out to a school’s exact requirements – as classrooms or dining rooms, for example. There is no risk to the school or local authority – the building can remain in use for as long as it is needed. And the approach gives education providers complete flexibility – the floor area can easily be increased or reduced in line with local needs.

 

'''Interim Accommodation Should not Compromise Children’s Education'''

It is important to note however, that the quality of the education environment is a critical requirement – whether the child is being taught in interim or permanent accommodation. If a child is learning in an interim building for two years, for example, that could be '''one third''' of their time at that school. Parents and teachers, rightly, need confidence that children’s education will be unaffected.

In our experience, the design requirements for ''new'' school buildings should also be transferred to'' interim'' solutions. The design criteria should therefore include:
*Inspirational spaces
*A high quality teaching environment
*Buildings that promote security and supervision
*Buildings that create a positive identity and image for the school
*Accommodation that encourages pupil satisfaction – respect and self-esteem
*Varied teaching environments.

Exemplar concepts for school design can now be applied to interim teaching accommodation – provided the modular system is sufficiently flexible. Concepts can include:
*''Linear cloisters'' – uninterrupted spaces for flexibility and expansion
*''Learning clusters'' – to house a year group, faculty or department
*''Indoor courtyards'' – a heart for the school, social space or sheltered play area
*''Outdoor classrooms'' – particularly for primary schools.

Any modular building, whether for interim or permanent use, should be configured for ease of supervision, efficient navigation and circulation, and to minimise pupil distraction.

In order to meet individual schools’ requirements and budgets, modular buildings can be standalone units, single-storey cluster departments, two-storey schemes and whole school configurations. And the buildings can be fitted out for a variety of uses – from general classrooms to reception and administrative centres, break-out and social spaces, and kitchen and dining facilities.

 

'''Providing Accommodation on Constrained School Sites'''

Modular buildings are an extremely effective solution for meeting challenging accommodation requirements on constrained school sites.

Buildings can be located on the roofs of existing buildings, in completely enclosed courtyards and used to extend traditionally-constructed schemes. It is important for the modular specialist to work with each school to locate a building to meet their specific requirements and wherever possible to try to avoid using land required for other activities.

And buildings can be installed during school holidays to minimise any disruption to teaching.

 

'''A Cost-effective Solution to Place Planning Issues'''

As budgets become ever tighter, specifiers need to look for alternatives to providing accommodation solutions that offer best value and yet maintain quality – whether for interim or permanent applications.

With the quality of interim solutions now available, schools no longer have to have permanent buildings in place to accommodate maximum numbers. An interim building can be used for peaks in school places, which can then be removed when the demand falls. This is a far more cost-effective option, particularly when there is such huge pressure on funding for schools.

However, when comparing tenders, schools and local authorities should ensure they are comparing buildings and specifications that are like for like. The cheapest building option may not represent best value – and could compromise the quality of children’s education and staff morale in the longer term.

Schools also need to be aware that, as in other sectors, not all suppliers are the same, and not all will be able to provide the services required for a particular project.

 

'''How to Select a Modular Building Partner'''

To ensure high quality interim teaching accommodation that meets standards for quality, aesthetics and performance, schools should look closely at the following criteria in their selection of a modular building partner:
*Track record in delivery – on time and on budget and the percentage of repeat business ideally over five years
*Availability of buildings from stock at short notice
*Service guarantees in place, if any
*Experience in the education sector to understand the issues
*Project management skills and resources – at short notice
*Range of services, such as ground works, furniture supply and fitting out – all in the required timescale
*Health and safety record – important on school sites
*Sustainability – waste minimisation, choice of materials, recycling initiatives
*A robust, quality construction for each classroom
*The design options available – such as canopies, steps and ramps, air conditioning
*Compliance with current Building Regulations, including fire and insulation
*Compliance with Department for Education design requirements
*Air permeability performance for lower running costs. Ask to see independent test results to verify claims
*Can the supplier meet the full range of education solutions required? Infant toilets, wet play areas, special needs, science, food technology, dining etc.

 

Schools should also ensure that the modular manufacturer has the following accreditations and approvals in place for further peace of mind:
*ISO 14001 for environmental performance
*BBA certification for the reassurance of a 60-year design life
*Crown Commercial Service framework approval – reduced tendering time and cost
*ISO 9001 – for the ''full ''production process
*OHSAS 18001 – the international standard for health and safety management
*Dun & Bradstreet Rating for financial stability.

 

'''How Modular Construction is Meeting the Sustainability Agenda'''

The environmental advantages of using a modular approach include:
*Up to 67 per cent less energy is required to produce a modular building compared to an equivalent traditionally-built project (''source'': Arup)
*Modular construction can generate up to 90 per cent fewer vehicle movements to site – reducing carbon emissions, congestion and disruption
*The approach can reduce on-site waste by up to 90 per cent (''source'': WRAP)
*Quality controlled off-site production means modular buildings are manufactured to more consistently rigorous tolerances than conventional site-based building methods. This means a high level of energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions and lower running costs.
*Improved opportunities for recycling waste generated in the manufacturing process.

'''[http://www.portakabin.co.uk. www.portakabin.co.uk.] '''

'''--[[User:The Portakabin Group|The Portakabin Group]] 11:56, 1 December 2014 (UTC)'''

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