Educators who have been in school administration for a while can tell you that the term “portable classroom” does not evoke memories of a beautiful building. Years ago, they were nothing but converted office trailers. The 21st century modular building industry, however, offers rugged, heavy-duty educational structures that are hard to distinguish from permanent construction.

Modular classrooms - how they operate

Today’s modern modular classrooms are manufactured in a controlled environment within a factory. Steel supports and concrete floors are used in the fabrication process, much like conventional construction. The classroom is made up of individual modules for ease of shipping. They can range from ten to eighteen feet wide and from thirty-six to seventy-six feet long.

Less than 10% of the construction is left to finish once the classroom leaves the factory. This is because each module is completely built out with all specified walls and ceiling, wiring and carpeting. Once assembled these modules fit together to form a seamless structure.

Modular classrooms - the advantages

The single most important advantage of modular classroom construction is the rapid building process. Conventional construction methods can take up to six months, or even longer, to complete classroom facilities. A number of school districts take advantage of the summer months to easily finalize modular construction and thus minimally impact the school calendar.

Modular classrooms also have the advantage of being portable. They can be transported by truck very readily to another site or school district as enrollment requirements fluctuate. A few states even require a percentage of classrooms to be modular so that student population shifts can be more easily accommodated.

It is less expensive to add modular classrooms than to utilize conventional construction methods. Modular classrooms cost about fifty to sixty dollars a square foot to complete. This is far less than traditional on-site construction. Costly steel I-Beam construction can feature fifty year structural warranties. However, modular classrooms can enjoy this length of serviceable life as well, with a minimum of maintenance required in the long run.

Modular classrooms - innovation for the future

Modular classroom design and quality has improved in just the past few years. Part of this is due to the rising popularity of modular construction in all facets of the construction industry. Modular buildings are being purchased for offices, stores, urgent care clinics, and many other applications. The new age of classrooms are true modular structures, not converted trailers. They do not sit on wheels so they are flush with ground level and not require ramps or steps to enter the building. This also enhances the overall appearance.

A number of schools also place faux siding of brick, wood, or stone to further give modern modular classrooms more of the look of a permanent structure rather than that of a temporary arrangement. Premium quality modular classrooms are now incorporating superior building materials such as steel and concrete walls, windows that open, rubber or shingled roofs, and rooftop HVAC systems.

Today, modular classroom dealers can create a customized structure that will meet your exact requirements.

Modular Buildings-The Game Plan