How Can Modular Buildings Help Schools During Refurbishment Projects?

School refurbishment projects can improve facilities for pupils and staff, but they can also create a difficult period while work is underway. Classrooms and specialist facilities may become unavailable, or need to be relocated away from the construction activity.

Modular buildings can provide a practical solution. From temporary classrooms and offices to welfare facilities and specialist teaching spaces, modular accommodation can help schools continue operating while permanent buildings are being upgraded.

What happens to school facilities during refurbishment?

Even a carefully planned refurbishment can temporarily reduce the amount of usable space available to a school. Work might involve individual classrooms, or an entire block. Pupils and staff may need to be moved into alternative accommodation for days, weeks or months.

Simply reducing the number of available rooms may not be practical, particularly where a school needs to maintain normal teaching provision.

A modular building can provide additional accommodation elsewhere on the site, allowing the school to continue using the facilities it needs while refurbishment takes place.

Can modular buildings be used as temporary classrooms?

Yes, modular buildings can provide temporary classroom accommodation while existing teaching spaces are unavailable. The building can be configured around the school’s requirements, with suitable layouts for teaching, administration or other activities. 

Depending on the specification, facilities can include lighting, heating, electrical systems and other features required for a functional learning environment.

How can modular buildings reduce disruption?

One of the biggest advantages of using modular accommodation during refurbishment is that it can help separate day-to-day school activities from construction work.

Rather than trying to operate around contractors in an area being refurbished, pupils and staff can use an alternative building elsewhere on the site. 

This can make it easier to manage movement around the school and maintain appropriate separation between construction activity and the wider school environment. It can also provide greater flexibility when planning the refurbishment programme.

What other school facilities can be provided?

Temporary classrooms are not the only possible application.

Modular buildings can be used to provide a range of additional facilities during a refurbishment project, including:

• Temporary school offices
• Staff rooms
• Meeting rooms
• Welfare facilities
• Additional teaching spaces
• Storage areas
• Specialist rooms, depending on the specification

For example, if administrative offices are affected by building work, a modular office could allow staff to continue working on site. Similarly, temporary accommodation could provide a replacement staff room while existing facilities are upgraded.

Another great advantage is that the building can be selected and configured according to the school’s specific requirements.

Are modular buildings suitable for longer refurbishment projects?

School refurbishment programmes can vary considerably in length. Some projects may involve relatively short periods of disruption, while major works can continue for much longer.

Modular accommodation can offer flexibility for both situations. Buildings can be hired when accommodation is only required temporarily, avoiding the need to purchase a building for a short-term requirement.

Where a school needs additional accommodation for a longer period, purchasing may also be considered, depending on its circumstances and future plans.

This flexibility can be particularly useful when the exact duration of a refurbishment programme changes as work progresses.

What should schools consider before choosing a modular building?

Before arranging temporary accommodation, schools should establish exactly what space is required and how it will be used. Consider the number of pupils or staff who will use the building, the type of activities taking place inside it and any additional facilities required. 

The location of the building on the school site is also important, particularly when considering access, pedestrian routes and the relationship with the ongoing construction work.

Schools should also consider the expected project timescale. A short-term classroom refurbishment may call for a straightforward hired portable cabin, whereas a longer programme could require a more extensive modular solution.

It is sensible to establish these requirements early so that the temporary accommodation can be incorporated into the wider refurbishment plan.

Keeping the school operational

The success of a refurbishment project is not only about completing the building work. Schools also need to consider how teaching and everyday operations will continue while contractors are on site.

Modular buildings can provide an adaptable solution by creating alternative accommodation when existing rooms are temporarily unavailable. They can help schools maintain teaching, administration and welfare provision while permanent facilities are being improved.

By identifying which facilities will be affected and providing suitable alternative space, schools can make the transition through the refurbishment period safer and more manageable for pupils, staff and contractors.