How Modular Cabins Can Contribute To Better Quality Schools

There is now more choice than ever before of modular cabins for sale, from bespoke timber clad models that will blend seamlessly into the surroundings, to practical storage and welfare units that can be stacked or adjoined to create larger spaces.

These versatile portable buildings are used for many purposes, and increasingly they are being seen as part of the solution to the ongoing school building crisis.

The challenge facing UK schools

Last September, the shocking state of much of the UK’s school estate was thrust into the media spotlight as the crumbling concrete crisis hit the headlines. However, a new BBC News investigation reveals that this was just the tip of the iceberg.

The School Rebuilding Programme that was announced in 2020 aimed to rebuild or refurbish around 500 schools over the next ten years, with upgrades or new schools constructed at a rate of about 50 per year. However, it has been revealed by the BBC that 23 schools have been completed so far, with only 62 contracts issued.

That has left many UK schools with woefully inadequate buildings that leak, are draughty, poorly insulated and even dangerous. Besides concerns about the use of Raac, some schools have hazardous levels of asbestos, or are even leaking raw sewage through the flooring.

Furthermore, the rebuilding process has been delayed as some contractors have pulled out over concerns around the budget, particularly as the cost of materials is subject to rises between the contract being signed and the work starting. This is how modular cabins can help.

Speed of construction

Traditional methods of construction can take months or even years to complete, and often there are long delays between the contract being awarded and the work commencing. This can mean that significant disruption is caused to the daily operations of the school and in some cases, a pupil’s entire education during their school years might be affected.

Modular buildings are partially constructed off-site and the on-site assembly process can take a matter of days. This means that schools can have safe, modern, spacious and comfortable classrooms or office space available within a short period of time.

Less budget pressure

Compared to conventional building projects, modular buildings are much more affordable. As the Schools Rebuilding Programme only provides schools with fixed budgets that are not flexible enough to respond to the rising cost of materials and labour, this can be a real challenge and has even led to some contracts being cancelled.

Modular classrooms have a far shorter construction timescale, and the costs are usually fixed from the start, making them ideal for projects with constrained budgets. Furthemore, the buildings are durable and energy efficient, and have lower ongoing maintenance costs compared to traditional buildings.

Flexibility and customisation

There may be outdated ideas about modular buildings as rather unattractive and utilitarian structures, but in fact modern cabins can be adapted to suit your bespoke needs. Interiors can be configured to different layouts, whether you need large open-plan classrooms or partitioned rooms for storage, cloakrooms, kitchenettes, and so on.

The cabins can be fully integrated with the latest technology to enhance the educational experience. They can also be used for a range of purposes beyond the classroom, from science labs to sports halls, and also as administrative offices, caretaker’s storage units, libraries, staff rooms, and more.

The exterior of the cabins can also be customised to ensure that they are sympathetically integrated into the surroundings, such as timber cladding or bespoke colours and finishes.

Whether your school needs a temporary solution while urgent repairs are carried out, or a more permanent fixture, we have a modular building to suit your needs at a fraction of the cost and timescale involved in traditional construction projects.

Furthermore, the cabins can easily be scaled up in size by adding adjacent cabins or even stacking to create multiple storey structures.

These practical structures are built with the same scope for durability as traditional buildings, so they offer much more than a temporary stop gap. Should your needs change, it’s possible to remove or relocate the cabins without any great inconvenience.

The modular cabins are subject to the same strict building regulations and standards as conventional buildings, such as fire safety, insulation, ventilation, and accessibility, so you can be assured that no compromises will be made in the quality of your students’ educational experiences.