Unity Academy, a £5.4m alternative provision setting for primary-school-aged children, is the second project to be awarded to Portakabin under the Department for Education’s (DfE) MMC1 framework.

Modular building market leader Portakabin has been appointed by the DfE to build a new alternative provision setting on the former Sladen Middle School site on Hurcott Road in Kidderminster, specifically to cater for children with Social Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

The school has been designed to accommodate 60 pupils, aged between four and 11 years old, supported by approximately 25 members of staff. A single storey structure, the school will be made up of 17 modules, will provide eight classrooms plus a large hall and resource spaces and is due to complete in Summer 2023.

Constructed offsite using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), the custom modules have been designed specifically for the Department for Education. At 3.6m wide and 18.75m long, each module achieves better thermal performance and offers improved day lighting for the comfort of both pupils and teachers.

Lee Connolly, Head of Project Design and Engineering for Portakabin, comments: “Unity Academy will provide a much-needed specialist resource for primary school children in the local community. Pupils will be able to access alternative support provision away from their mainstream school environment which will offer them the best possible opportunities in a state-of-the-art building.

“Our building will have specially developed windows to maximise daylight and natural ventilation within its learning spaces. We will also have photovoltaic panels on the roof, extensive playground areas and a habitat / forest school to improve biodiversity and enhance the learning experience of the children.”

Kate Brunt, CEO of The Rivers CofE Academy Trust, said: “This is an exciting project and we are looking forward to working with local schools to ensure that the needs of our most vulnerable pupils are met.”

Councillor Tracey Onslow, cabinet member with responsibility for Education at Worcestershire County Council said, “We are happy to see that plans have been thoughtfully designed to meet the unique needs of the children that will be learning there. These facilities will help with improving the experiences of children and young people and we are pleased to see work progressing.”

 

www.portakabin.com

With increasing student enrolments and shrinking spaces, there is increasing pressure on educational institutions to be more creative in enhancing facilities while lifting student achievement.

To address this challenge, a number of state governments have commissioned leading architecture companies who are helping communities reimagine what schools should look like while meeting the critical need of quickly-built facilities that are both environmentally sustainable and designed to help students get the most out of their learning.

The NSW Government has partnered with construction companies such as Lipman and Built as part of a $15bn project to develop the pavilion model, which allows high-quality schools to be delivered in months instead of years.

Built CEO and managing director Brett Mason said the company’s fully designed product can be built 50% faster than a conventional build and provides the flexibility to be designed into infinite configurations to meet the needs of different schools, locations and future growth.

“Built’s Modern Method of Construction for schools is based on the NSW Schools Infrastructure ‘pavilion’ model. This allows for new schools to be prefabricated offsite as a ‘kit of parts’ that can be then flat packed for transport to site where it is assembled,” Mason told The Educator.

“The value of this model is it allows schools to be built much faster than conventional building – up to 50% faster – while also being safer and delivered to a high quality as it is produced in a controlled manufacturing environment that removes variability and potential for defects on site. It also means less disruption to existing schools in the building process.”

Mason says Built’s model is different from others in the market in that pavilion schools are designed in-house by a dedicated construction team using the latest digital construction platforms and assisted by leading architects, fjmt.

“The system developed is highly flexible and able to be infinitely configured to suit different schools, locations and future growth, and it has been panellised for easier transport on a standard truck and quick assembly. It can also be disassembled and reassembled should buildings need to be moved, added to or redeployed,” Mason explained.

“Additionally, our model uses cross laminated timber, which both reduces the upfront carbon emissions of building by 80% compared to a conventional build and also provides a better learning environment for children through connection to natural materials [biophilia].”

Mason said that with the introduction of rooftop solar panels, pavilion schools built using the company’s product can become carbon neutral in less than two years and then climate positive (generate more carbon credits than it uses) for the remainder of their lifespan.

“We have also considered the economic flow-on effect of this method of constructing schools. Up to 95% of the components in our model are sourced from local Australian companies which generate jobs as well as by creating a simpler and more efficient construction assembly onsite,” he said.

“We see this as an opportunity to train and upskill local trades and apprentices, particularly in the regions.”

Mason said technology and modern methods of construction allow Built to approach construction in a much more efficient, safer and sustainable way.

“We consider this to be critical as we need to meet the needs of the NSW Government’s $15 billion school building program with $7.9 billion being invested over the next four years in 215 schools,” he said.

“Through this model we can also help to control costs. Through digital modelling, we can provide a highly accurate construction budget right down to the number of screws, nuts and washers required. This reduces financial risk and provides certainty and predictability to be able to progress projects quickly and within budget.”

Mason said that moving forward, schools will require more flexibility in their design to meet different and future needs, as well as expansion.

“The pavilion model facilitates this by not only being able to build more quickly but also the model allows building to be assembled, disassembled and reconfigured over time as needed,” he said.

“We also see the need for schools to become more sustainable as we move to reduce carbon emissions and move to a net zero future.  Additionally, by incorporating renewable power using solar panels we can look towards buildings becoming climate positive.”

 

Source: The Educator Online

Gartree High School appointed modular provider Wernick to supply a standalone building to accommodate an increase in students. They required a seamless transition with minimal intervention from teaching staff and timely student occupation. More importantly, the building had to look the part, mimicking the school’s existing building. With decades of experience within the UK education sector, Wernick specialise in the design and build of modern school buildings. Each project is managed by Wernick’s dedicated construction division to ensure a thorough service and the utmost levels of health and safety.

Gartree’s Deputy Head Ben Rackley and Assistant Head Edward Wilson describe the project and their experience of working with Wernick to procure their new building in Leicestershire.

How did you settle on a modular solution for the new building?
BR: Before obtaining our new building, all Gartree’s classes took place within one large building. Student numbers have increased, and it was time to increase capacity by adding at least four new classrooms. A modular classroom block made sense to us due to the timescales involved. We were aware of neighbouring schools who have chosen this route, and they helped to demonstrate the speed and aesthetics achievable with this building method.
It was vital to us that the new addition matched the look and feel of the existing building, with green, metal window surrounds and brick cladding. Inside the new building would be two science classrooms and two ‘all-purpose’ rooms.

Why were Wernick Buildings chosen to deliver the new building?
BR: During the procurement process, Wernick’s designs were the closest match to the school’s brief: “they looked like Gartree”. Wernick Buildings quoted for a 2-storey, 414 m² block and it was well within our budget – in fact, the quote gave us some room to specify additional features, such as reinforced flooring, triple glazing and PIR lighting.
Wernick really paid attention to every detail on the project – for example, I was pleasantly surprised to see that Wernick had included elements of the existing building in the new block without being asked.

What feedback have you received from users of the building?
EW: I’m lucky enough to teach in the new building and a few things are really clear; first of all we’ve noticed no difference in the behaviour of the children and students who are working in the building, which is exactly what we want.
Teachers find the new building very comfortable – air conditioning throughout ensures a consistent temperature year-round, which is something they are not used to! Rooms are also more spacious, the whole building has an open feel to it.
Triple glazing creates a peaceful environment which is ideal for pupils sitting exams. The quality of the finish is really excellent, it’s a lovely place to work in and we’re finding that teaching here is a real pleasure.

BR: I wanted people to see this as a permanent building, and that is exactly what we have achieved. The modular building fits in perfectly and the finish gives it that wow factor when you walk in.

How did you find the process of working with Wernick?
EW: Wernick provided us with a bespoke, on-plan building that followed our wish for the new building very closely. I was genuinely impressed with that and impressed with what they have supplied.
BR: I had absolutely no time or inclination to manage a traditional building project, but Wernick’s dedicated Construction division managed the project from start to finish. A Project Manager attended site every day – this was a major selling point for me. The team on site were brilliant and having the same point of contact throughout was invaluable.

www.wernick.co.uk

The High School Leckhampton, is a brand new co-educational comprehensive school that will serve south Cheltenham. It is being built to cater for an expansion in pupil numbers at secondary level in the area. The school has been commissioned by Gloucestershire County Council but is being “sponsored” and developed by Balcarras.

TG Escapes Eco-Buildings were appointed to provide a stand-alone eco-building to accommodate the school’s intake in time for September 2021. The modular timber frame solution provides a fast build process with minimal disruption, and delivers a bespoke permanent building designed to last 60 years or more.
Ian Davidson, Assistant Head and Jeff Arris, Network Manager at Balcarras School explain the background and their experience of the project.

Why was the building needed?

Ian: Balcarras School were awarded the contract for an entirely new school, to teach 900 11-16 year olds, which was due to open in time for the start of the school year in September 2021. The initial phase of opening was for 120 Year 7 students with subsequent yearly intakes increasing until the school will be operating at full capacity with 5 year groups of around 180 pupils each.
Towards the end of 2020 it became apparent that the new school building would not be completed in time to welcome the initial intake of students. The existing school was operating at maximum occupancy and there was simply no space available to accommodate the new students.
The decision was taken to build a modular suite of 4 classrooms on the existing school site, each designed for around 30 Y7 pupils, to be used for classroom-based subjects (maths, English and social sciences). Science, art, DT and PE lessons will take place within the main school facilities.

What was the process for selecting the bulding provider?

Jeff: The year previously, the existing school had engaged with 3 contractors to provide a modular building to extend its IT facilities. TG Escapes won the tender process but it was ultimately decided to not proceed with the project.
However, TG Escapes had sufficiently impressed that they were selected as one of the 3 contractors invited to tender for the new project and again were the preferred choice. The governors were naturally concerned about timely delivery and potential overspend and engaged Evans Jones consultants to oversee the build, which commenced in January 2021.

How did you find the process?

Ian: I thought it was quite brilliant. My biggest concern was that the building would be completed on time, but I have never seen a building go up so quickly. Throughout the build the project manager was very approachable and easy to deal with. Any problems were immediately solved, avoiding any interruptions to the day to day running of the existing school site. All potentially disruptive operations such as crane and material deliveries were organised to fit the school timetable.

Jeff: The site was well managed and the project manager was fully engaged with the school throughout the build, securing agreement before each phase. Regular meetings between the school management team and the project manager were handled thoroughly and efficiently and the building was completed weeks ahead of schedule
in May.

What do you think about the building’s quality now it is in use?

Jeff: It is good and functionally it is working well, particularly pupil flow. We are expecting the outside decking areas to be a very useful space.

Ian: Whilst there have been a few snagging issues these are being well dealt with promptly. The finished look of the building is really good and reminds me of a “Grand Designs” project. The parents love it and the feedback from staff and students is also very positive. It feels both spacious and luxurious.

How important were the eco credentials?

Ian: Very important. Zero carbon and environmental issues have become a big consideration across the education sector.

Jeff: The speed of construction versus a traditional build process was also of high importance. I was impressed by the lack of waste, helped by the donation of spare materials to the existing school.

 

 

For more information about TG Escapes Modular Timber Frame Buildings call

0800 917 7726 or email info@tgescapes.co.uk. To see a timelapse of the build in progress visit bit.ly/balcarras_timelapse

www.tgescapes.co.uk