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Modular classrooms: The Friars Primary School extension

2020-04-01T08:27:05Z

MTX Education: Created page with "= The Friars Primary School modular classroom extension = [https://www.mtxeducation.co.uk/case-studies/the-friars-primary/ The Friars Primary School modular classroom extension]..."

= The Friars Primary School modular classroom extension =

[https://www.mtxeducation.co.uk/case-studies/the-friars-primary/ The Friars Primary School modular classroom extension] was a project undertaken by MTX in 2016. Friars Primary School is in Salford, Manchester. The school leadership identified the need for a new, bespoke modular educational facility. Expanding school numbers made it necessary to add to the classroom facilities, with two new rooms. As well as these teaching areas, the school also wanted a breakout area and some washroom facilities.

The contract was awarded in April. The onsite work began in May, and the modular building was delivered in July. With the fit-out completed over the summer by M&E, the new facility was available at the start of the next school year.

== The project requirements ==

The school was experiencing rapid growth in student population. There was a boom in primary school numbers that put pressure on many educational establishments. The existing school building was no longer big enough and the extension was provided by MTX under Galliford Try for the North West.

The size of the project and the timeline was ambitious. The six-bay modular building was constructed on the playing fields at the front of the current site. The facilities needed to be available for the new school year, with limited disruption to the ongoing learning taking place on-site.

== The MTX solution ==

MTX in-house designers communicated with education leaders and presented a useful single-storey facility. The modular building offered the required classrooms and other facilities. The aim was to maximise space to provide plenty of room for the education of young people, as well as their personal comfort.

The design team at MTX offered much more than just utility in the solution they provided. Each classroom was installed with roof lights, which provided the teacher with smart control. These controlled roof lights were also linked to Co2 and rain sensors.

Natural light is essential to wellbeing and to improved learning outcomes. Artificial light can make learning challenging. Therefore, the fan lights that were fitted above the classroom doors enhanced the natural light in the classroom. The whole hope for this design was to live up to the eco-friendly ambitions of the school. Education is about the future of young children; therefore, making the environment in which they learn as natural as possible was a priority. LED lighting was used throughout with PIR detection. There was an air permeability of less than 4.75m3. This is a vital measurement for the eco-credentials of the building – as it proves that the air leakage is low and so the building will retain heat. Lower heating costs also mean more school budget for essential resources for learning.

The building was fully compliant with Building Bulletin regulations.

Equally important is the aesthetic of the building. This is an extension to an existing school. Therefore, the school needed the opportunity to select the colours and finishes for the new classroom building and match these to the existing structure. The new extension was at the front of the school, so was going to be prominent on the site.

== The Considerations ==

A priority for the school and the council was the deadline. The classrooms needed to be available for new cohorts of students to learn in September. The project was awarded in April. There was little chance that a traditional bricks and mortar construction project could have delivered. The experience and skill of the MTX team meant that the programme planning was outstanding. The project was completed and presented to the client in 10 weeks. The school was able to use the facilities to their full.

The ease of design, manufacture and installation also mitigated any potential disruption to the education of students in the previous school year. The site still needed to function as a school while the construction was underway. Such was the efficiency of the project; the school was able to work well as the extension was being delivered.

Galliford Try was complimentary about the work of MTX. For such challenging timescales, the contractor needed to be engaged, proactive and responsive. With successful communication, problem-solving, defined patterns of working, MTX were able to design, manufacture and install the classroom extension.

== Summary ==

MTX was awarded a contract to provide an extension to a school. Without prompt completion of the facilities, the school would have struggled to house the new influx of young people. Not only was the building delivered on-time, but it was also fitted out with many environmentally sound features that looked to the future and considered the wellbeing of the students.

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Why are more schools turning to modular construction?

2019-10-31T16:21:31Z

MTX Education: Created page with "= Why are more schools turning to modular construction? = The team at [https://www.mtxeducation.co.uk/ MTX Education] understand that the work they undertake in construction is ..."

= Why are more schools turning to modular construction? =

The team at [https://www.mtxeducation.co.uk/ MTX Education] understand that the work they undertake in construction is at the forefront of educational practice for schools. Sustainability is a significant priority for those working within 21st-century schools – with those tasked with building schools for the future requiring flexible solutions.

Traditional structures for schools have been Victorian buildings. The fixed footprint and draughty spaces are impractical for modern educational purposes. Not only do these buildings come with a considerable carbon footprint, but they are also more likely to succumb to expensive maintenance issues.

It, therefore, comes as no surprise that modular classrooms are increasingly popular. The construction methods are convenient, quick, and they offer the sort of energy efficiency and sustainability that mean schools can continue to expand.

What drives this need for modular classrooms?

Expanding numbers

There has been a boom in school-aged children. This increase in numbers hit the primary schools a few years ago, and it is now filtering its way into the secondary school system. There is a constant pressure to find room for the education of more children. With a demand that this construction is undertaken quickly and sustainably, it comes as no surprise that schools are turning to modular modes of building.

Although the phrase “prefabricated” comes with connotations of the old-style huts of the past, current modular construction design is bespoke. Schools benefit from school expansion, most of which will be constructed off-site. This allows schools to cater to increased numbers without disrupting the work of existing students.

Functionality

21st-century learning strategies require schools to adapt to the needs of the learner. A simple one size fits all structure is no longer flexible enough to deal with current educational demands. Modular classrooms can be designed fit-for-purpose, coming in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. Teachers can work with the design to add additional rooms, sinks, wheelchair access, extra doors and more.

The modular classrooms are also moveable. Therefore, if educational needs change in the future, it is possible to reshape the infrastructure to match. You can move the classrooms to a new, more suitable location. Furthermore, a standard classroom can quickly adapt to be a music room, a science lab or even meeting rooms. A school can make ultimate use of the facilities by hiring out these buildings to the private sector for hot-desking on an evening or holidays, or gatherings of professionals for meetings.

Ecologically sustainable

Children today are more conscious of the environment than any generation before. Unlike past times, when we thought we were fighting for the future of yet to be born people, our children believe they are struggling for their future. They want green, sustainable solutions. Therefore, it is essential in education, more than anywhere else, for construction to be eco-friendly.

The key design features of modular construction involve a constant eye to sustainability. The materials need to be sustainable, with timber coming from certified forests. The buildings themselves must be energy efficient, using insulation that makes them cheap to heat but also lowers energy use for the planet.

Modular buildings can no longer be called temporary classrooms. The construction is designed to last for at least 50 years. Therefore, even if the needs of the school changes, the building materials will not go to waste. The classroom can be moved to a new location. If the classroom is no longer needed, the building can be deconstructed, and the materials used recycled. There is no such thing as demolition in modular construction.

With minimal maintenance and hassle-free construction, they also help schools sustain a budget too. This leaves room for schools to spend this money on other areas, such as the shaping and sustainability of our children’s futures.

What is the future for modular classrooms?

If modular classrooms are the future for education, then what is the future for modular construction? Most commentators are clear that the sky is the limit for this construction mode. Not education but also healthcare is embracing this approach to creating functional and economically viable spaces. With the current crisis in building, it is easy to see how modular construction methods are going to continue to blossom.

In short

Modular construction and education are natural partners. The construction methods are focused on the needs of the future, as are the teachers in the schools. Modular construction can provide the flexible, practical and efficient spaces our schools need to deliver the best education.

Why are schools investing in modular classrooms?

2019-06-03T14:31:06Z

MTX Education:

= Why are schools investing in modular classrooms? =

When you are in the business of modular classroom design and construction, you are always heartened by an increasing trend towards your service. [https://www.mtxeducation.co.uk/ MTX Education] has worked with some of the most prestigious organisations to add quality spaces to their facilities. To continually improve, it is essential to understand why schools are investing in modular classrooms in increasing numbers. We strive to maximise the qualities they see in our construction methods.

== Great aesthetics ==

The resurgence in belief in modular construction came when Heads realised it didn't mean pre-fab huts. There was a period of instant classrooms that were too hot, too small and overall a little rickety. They also made a school site look dreadful as if its community were fractured and herded like cattle.

Thankfully, this is not a modular design. Today construction methods are dictated by the latest educational research on what makes sound learning environments. The spaces are adaptive and flexible, full of light and air – with all the facilities to assist a teacher and other staff to deliver top-quality education.

Kerb appeal is not something head teachers like to openly admit is vital to school numbers. However, the drive-by of future parents and the feedback about the school's exterior from the local community are one of those essentials to a school reputation. When you choose modular construction, you are extending the site, so it appears the same as the rest. With traditional cladding and roofing, the modular extension can easily merge with the whole site.

== Cost-saving ==

The increase in popularity of modular classrooms is mostly down to cost. Budgets in schools are shockingly tight and as numbers rise traditional construction poses a real challenge to the school's business manager. The investment in modular construction offers an impressively quick return.

When we are putting our packages together for schools, we keep in mind that the cost/ benefit analysis needs to be sound. We make it clear that the initial upfront cost is lower, but so is the running cost. The air-tight construction allows for efficient use of energy – keeping the bills down.

The flexibility with a modular classroom also guards against potential future challenges. If in a few years, your school may need to grow again, the modular class can move to become part of a new reconfiguration. Traditional bricks and mortar construction is a long-term investment, and you have to be sure of the future. As well as being cheaper up-front, module construction also offers some future proofing that could save you money.

== Quick and disruption-free ==

A building site and a school site are not the best bedfellows. The noise, dust and health and safety concerns of a construction site in a place where learning requires listening and speaking equals stress. If you choose module classrooms, you will have the additional space in a matter of months. You could start in the summer term and have the extra space by the Autumn term. In a secondary school, you could wait for Year 11 students to leave and have your site back in order before the new little people of Year 7 arrive.

It is likely you have a five-year plan for construction on your site, but this presumes you are always aware of all the variables. Traditional construction only allows limited flexibility and the costs are not guaranteed. This makes planning challenging, and it requires a brave business manager to trust that the figures will stay the same. Modular construction offers a lot more guarantees while giving you the room to make changes without penalties.

== The best learning environment ==

MTX Education is always interested in the latest research. We want our buildings to offer the best user experience. We believe the most important reason that modular design has become more popular is that the learning space created is outstanding. We are no longer in the world of the pre-fab; our classroom spaces are cutting edge and adaptable to the latest teaching and learning techniques.

It is also the best construction method for the environment. As well as being energy efficient, the techniques used are part of a sustainable project with a minimal carbon footprint. The amount of construction traffic, and so air pollution to the site, is massively reduced.

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Why are schools investing in modular classrooms?

2019-05-31T09:07:58Z

MTX Education: Created page with "= Why are schools investing in modular classrooms? = When you are in the business of modular classroom design and construction, you are always heartened by an increasing trend t..."

Modular construction could be the key to speed up school expansions

2019-02-27T10:18:14Z

MTX Education: Created page with "= Modular constructions could be the key to speed up school expansions. = Most people are comfortable with bricks and mortar construction. They offer a sense of permanence and a..."

= Modular constructions could be the key to speed up school expansions. =

Most people are comfortable with bricks and mortar construction. They offer a sense of permanence and an investment in a longer future. However, modular construction for education, as provided by [https://mtxeducation.co.uk/ MTX Education], can provide a space that lasts beyond 50 years while being cost effective and purpose-built for learning.

One of the significant benefits of modular construction for schools is speed. With [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-44809258 ever expanding numbers] now hitting secondary schools as well as primary schools, there is a demand for expansion of facilities at a faster rate. Proper planning and forward strategic planning can still make traditional construction practices valid. However, in a changing context of budget and educational policy, this is often not possible. So, modular constructions could be the perfect answer.

== How long would a traditional school expansion take? ==

Depending on the size of your expansion, [https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/markets/sectors/education traditional bricks and mortar construction could take between 8 months and a year.] If there are unforeseen delays, this could be much longer and does not include the time needed for planning, design and permissions required.

The most challenging part of the process is the groundworks. This will be noisy and create a lot of dirt that will be trailed into your existing buildings. Some of this work could be done in the long summer break. However, if you do this, then you risk the significant portion of construction taking place in the winter months, leading to potential delays.

Therefore, if you select a traditional school expansion, you could be looking at a whole school year of disruption to teaching and learning. The costs incurred are financially higher, but so is the price to productivity and results. Such a project also presumes that you can live without this space you are creating for the time of its planning, design, permissions, build and finishing. You would need sight of the state of your school and its pupil numbers at least three years in advance, longer if you want to justify the outlay of cash.

None of this is beyond imagining. It will require you to negotiate a schedule for your build that meets your timescales. You will need to meet with the builders to talk about how to minimise disruption to your school’s everyday work and then stay involved to adapt to problems or concerns. You will need to be constantly alert to potentials concerns and raise questions immediately.

== What about modular construction? ==

Having your building in place within 12 weeks is possible. It is possible to have much of the construction take place off-site, away from the students. It is possible to time the opening of your new modular buildings for the new school year.

A modular classroom is a permanent structure but one that could be moved if needs must. It is built to last for at least 50 years and can be designed to your specific brief. Although there are standard designs and builds of the modular classroom, it is possible to adapt this to your wishes at the design stage.

Most of the work is done off-site; therefore the build time can be quick. The frame and components are manufactured away from the school, as well as the canopy and flooring. As the classroom is being constructed away from the site the ground works are complete. This allows for much shorter build time, with a 1st fix, cladding, 2nd fix and then handover happening in quick succession

== Why is this speed important? ==

Speed is essential for two reasons: reduced disruption and strategic flexibility. Bricks and mortar constructions are cumbersome beasts that can take on a life and therefore a timescale of their own. As most modular classrooms come with pre-manufactured components, the timing of the project can be tightly contained. In the context of a building full of maybe upward of a 1000 young people, this is perhaps more important than we realise.

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