Education institutions across the UK face many challenges while ensuring that student needs are looked after alongside maintaining school buildings. It can be tricky to juggle keeping facilities well looked after and within strict budgetary constraints. Modular and portable buildings have been used by schools up and down the country for many years. Modern schools still rely on the cost-effective and innovative spaces that the modular building industry provides.
From their flexibility to incredible durability, modular school buildings have proven to be an ideal choice for many schools. There is an excellent range of options with modular buildings or portable classrooms, and their adaptability is a key consideration for many clients.
The Key Uses for Modular and Portable Buildings for Schools
Many people may remember the dull, grey boxes that were dropped on the edge of the school playing fields. They were cold and lifeless, but modern modular buildings have come a long way from then. They are certainly much more comfortable, but innovation in design has made them even more adaptable.
The flexibility of modular and portable buildings makes them ideal for a wide range of uses. Being suitable for different functions adds to the cost-effectiveness of the buildings too.
Additional Classrooms
Schools often have to respond to the effects of a fluctuating population. This can be because the catchment area has experienced a boom in its population through high birth rates or expanding housing developments. Either way, a population increase in the area means schools have to cater to a rise in student numbers. Education institutions often find a need for extra learning spaces quickly.
Traditional construction can be costly and take a long time to complete. Modular buildings are quicker to construct, and portable buildings can be installed in a matter of days.
Specialised Learning Spaces
Adaptable spaces are key to the modular building industry, providing schools with classrooms that work for different lessons. Both modular and portable buildings can be configured for varied uses, from open-plan spaces to private classrooms. Buildings can also be fitted with state-of-the-art features and fittings to make them suitable for specific needs.
Equipment and benches can be installed to make STEM laboratories. Clear spaces, basins and storage can be incorporated to create art studios. Some schools have used acoustic insulation to make buildings suitable for music suites. These examples show how versatile modular buildings can be.
Administrative Offices & Staff Rooms
Schools don’t just need to provide facilities for students; they need to care for staff requirements too. Modular and portable buildings are ideal for office spaces or welfare rooms. Schools need comfortable spaces for administrative staff to undertake day-to-day tasks and provide space away from teaching for staffrooms.
Using modular buildings or portable spaces is a great way to create contained space for administrative school functions.
Student Support & Counselling Spaces
Students have varied needs, and schools have a duty to respond to them. Modular buildings can be designed with private spaces and quiet areas to cater to students with specific requirements. Having diverse spaces allows schools to respond to the needs of SEND students or pupils in need of pastoral care.
Libraries, Cafeterias & Multi-Purpose Halls
Open-plan spaces created with modular buildings are perfect for schools that need large areas. Large open spaces give institutions the flexibility for many activities. Multi-purpose halls are essential for assemblies, exams or exercise.
Schools can use modular units installed with shelves and desks to develop libraries with quiet seating and study areas. Modular buildings are versatile enough to have kitchens installed, so they are also ideal for cafeterias and lunchrooms.
Temporary Spaces During Construction or Renovation
Traditionally constructed school buildings will require renovation or maintenance at some point. These renovations can have a disruptive effect on school life. Portable buildings provide a comfortable temporary solution to help school activities continue while maintenance takes place.
Understanding the Terminology in the Modular Building Industry
Modular and portable buildings offer incredible benefits over traditional brick-and-mortar construction. They are constructed in factories where individual modules are manufactured and then assembled on-site. Off-site construction offers different types of buildings, so it helps to understand the difference and decide which option is right for you.
Modular School Buildings
As described, modular buildings are created through a collection of “modules” that are configured to create a larger building. These buildings are assembled on-site and, when complete, have the look and feel of a traditional structure. Modular buildings can be customised to your requirements. Whether you are looking for open-plan spaces, classrooms, offices, or all of the above, modular school buildings can be configured to include them all. They can also be designed with your school aesthetic from school colours, cladded with timber or even brick for a more traditional look.
Modular school buildings are constructed with longevity in mind; they require foundations and have a similar lifespan to permanent structures. The flexibility and durability are why schools, colleges and universities across the UK are choosing modular school buildings as their preferred choice.
Portable Classrooms
Portable buildings are self-contained units that do not require foundations. They are quick to install using jacklegs that only require a solid footing for installation. This speed of installation and the portable nature of the buildings means they can also be easily moved if needed.
Schools find portable classrooms particularly useful if they have an immediate or temporary requirement for extra space.
Demountable classrooms
Demountable building is another term for a portable building. The term demountable refers to the fact that they can be easily disassembled and moved to another location when required.
Temporary classrooms vs Permanent School Buildings
While there is a difference between portable buildings and modular buildings, the manufacturing method is very similar. The efficiency of the manufacturing process offers schools versatility.
Portable buildings are durable enough to last a long time, but they provide schools with an easy option for temporary space requirements. Whereas modular buildings are a more permanent solution and also offer schools a versatile and cost-effective solution to new facilities.
GCS Cabins provide versatile school spaces
GCS Cabins has supplied schools and other education institutions across the UK with a cost-effective solution for their buildings. Whether you are looking for a new building or looking to extend existing facilities, we can help.
We’ll discuss your options with you, from portable classrooms to full-scale modular school buildings; we can look after your project with our turnkey solution.
Contact us today to discover durable and flexible buildings for your school.