Why the modular industry is perfectly positioned to prevent school closures

Ben Wernick – Managing Director Wernick Buildings

In recent news, concerns have arisen over the safety of school buildings in the UK constructed with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). This urgent situation calls for immediate action to ensure the health and safety of students and staff. Guidance issued by the Department for Education (DfE) advised that “any space or area with confirmed RAAC should no longer be open without mitigations in place”.

This highlights the issue that some schools will have to either delay reopening or close and urgent plans to be put in place to overcome these challenging times. With schools hoping to reopen after the summer holiday, action must be taken almost immediately for those affected.

It is notable that the modular construction industry stands as a reliable and well-positioned alternative that provides enhanced safety, durability, and sustainability in building and developing educational units. Modular buildings exhibit exceptional attributes, notably in safeguarding the security and welfare of their occupants. Unlike traditional construction methods, modular buildings are built in controlled factory environments, adhering to strict quality control protocols. This means that safety measures, such as structural integrity and fire resistance, are rigorously assessed and implemented during the manufacturing process. Moreover, as modular structures are designed to be transported and installed on-site, they require stronger and more resilient building components to withstand transportation stresses. This heightened attention to durability offers additional reassurance regarding the structural soundness of modular buildings.

Efficient construction time

Time is of the essence when dealing with urgent matters such as the closure of your school. Modular construction provides a significant advantage by significantly reducing construction timelines. Since modules are created off-site concurrently with site preparation, projects can be completed much faster than traditional construction. This expeditious approach minimises potential interruptions to academic activities, ensuring students can return to their studies as quickly as possible.

Additionally, the fabrication of modular buildings tends to be less disruptive than on-site construction. Noise and other disturbances are kept to a minimum, further supporting an uninterrupted learning environment during the construction process.

Modular construction not only saves time but also offers cost-effective solutions. The controlled environment of modular factories minimises material wastage and reduces the need for rework. With fewer delays and expenses associated with inclement weather, modular construction projects are more likely to adhere to budgetary constraints. Furthermore, modular buildings are designed to be easily expanded or reconfigured, allowing educational institutions to adapt to evolving needs and enrolment fluctuations. This adaptability provides long-term cost savings by avoiding the need for major renovations or additional construction in response to changing circumstances.

Sustainability and environmental responsibility

At Wernick Buildings we constantly strive to improve our environmental practices. Our controlled factory environment allows for efficient use of energy and resources, limiting waste generation. Additionally, sustainable materials can be incorporated during manufacturing, ensuring a reduced carbon footprint. Furthermore, modular buildings can be designed to be energy-efficient with the incorporation of green technologies such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and LED lighting. These features reduce operational costs and promote sustainability by minimising resource consumption and carbon emissions. In response to the recent news regarding the closure of school buildings built with potentially unsafe construction materials, the modular construction industry stands as an ideal solution, armed with its focus on safety, speed, cost-efficiency, and environmental responsibility. We have a range of high-quality, flexible modular classroom blocks that are ready to go, offering a quick and efficient solution for your educational space. Our modular buildings are constructed with cutting-edge materials, exceeding safety standards and are built to last.