Modular industry offers an education in sustainability Many are concerned about the impact COVID-19 will have on education; it is therefore even more crucially important that school building programmes get back on track as soon as possible, to ensure teachers and students have the best possible environments as they make up for lost time. Here JACKIE MAGINNIS, chief executive of the Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA), considers how modern methods of construction can assist.
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BACK IN JANUARY the Department for Education (DfE) revealed the offsite schools framework, designed ‘to cultivate innovation and modernise the industry by increasing the adoption of modern methods of construction’. The DfE programme will deliver some 30 offsite schools a year, with a projected pipeline of up to £3bn over the next four years. I am gratified that some of our members have been appointed to bring their expertise in volumetric modular technology to the fore, to help deliver those schools as swiftly as possible. Although many think volumetric modular construction is a new thing, in fact a number of companies have remarkable histories – in some cases between 55 and 80-plus years – in providing the highest-quality modular buildings: from temporary classrooms to multistorey teaching blocks complete with offices, catering facilities and welfare accommodation. The modular industry has had a remarkable impact on reducing costs while increasing quality and safety. Having gained considerable momentum over the past few years, advanced modular techniques can now reduce build times by an impressive 50-60%. The demand for customisation has led the industry to develop methods for adaptation during the mass production process to meet individual schools’ requirements. Innovations in volumetric modular technology augment the construction industry with a multitude of benefits that span from greener, healthier environments to maximised sustainability, heavily-reduced costs in many cases and faster build times. Doors, windows, heating, plumbing and even washrooms can be factory fitted together with internal and external finishes.
Riverside School
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Credit Portakabin
Minimising disruption Construction on a working school site is disruptive and presents many health and safety concerns. The noise and dust associated with traditional construction methods can hinder effective teaching and learning, together with reducing outdoor space. Modular approaches are revolutionising the construction industry. While traditional build processes are laced with pitfalls and hidden costs, and are highly disruptive, volumetric modular buildings offer predictability of costs and building programmes. They are easy to plan and budget and are quick to erect. Modular technology brings a host of benefits to the education sector, for example extensions to schools can be manufactured in well-managed factories and craned into position during holiday periods, so there is no disruption. Offsite technology offers benefits that have had a huge positive impact on the construction industry, bringing longstanding traditional practices up to date. The first key shift away from traditional methods is that build processes take place in controlled factory conditions, which requires a change of mind-set and approach. Historically, manufacturing operations have been considered extensions to construction processes, instead of an integral and important part. That perception is changing. As offsite has become an increasingly dominant force that utilises high levels of technology, the lines between manufacturing, engineering and construction have become blurred, creating a need for new skills and redefining existing ones. As units are factory manufactured, stringent quality control processes can be undertaken within these well-managed environments. These in-house conditions also prevent weather from inhibiting the construction process, guaranteeing efficiency. In addition, modular construction enables site work and building processes to be completed simultaneously, reducing labour costs and build times.