Modular Classrooms: Easy as A-B-C and 1-2-3

Apr 22, 2015

The Modular Building Institute (MBI) reports that across the U.S. about 260,000 classrooms are in “relocatable” buildings— modular buildings meant to be reused on multiple sites. The National Center for Education Statistics estimates that a third of American schools have such classrooms.

The use of modular classrooms looks to grow about 20% every year, making them the go-to option for public schools, private schools and charter schools across the county. Some are temporary modular structures that house one classroom, while others are permanent construction that can house up to 10 classrooms, or house expanded library or laboratory spaces.

Modular classrooms continue to rise in popularity across the country. But these are not the pre-fab buildings of the past that were plagued with noisy and inadequate ventilation systems, limited natural light and a design that stuck out like a sore thumb. Today’s modular classrooms feature customizable, modern designs that blend in seamlessly with the rest of the campus, and sustainable building practices provide a more healthy learning environment.

And it’s not just classrooms, school districts are using modular solutions to expand their campus’ administrative offices, libraries, cafeterias and lab spaces.

Whether a temporary or permanent solution, schools can find the perfect size for their needs, from a couple thousand square feet for smaller class sizes, or a facility exceeding ten thousand square feet for significant student capacity. Today’s modern modular classrooms can be wired for full data connectivity and finished to match a school’s exterior finish and interior design.

Temporary Modular Classrooms

Portable classrooms are an easy solution for schools responding to a sudden rise in enrollment. With a short installation window, additional classroom structures can be ordered in the spring, installed in the summer and ready for the first bell to ring.

Additionally these relocatable temporary classrooms are quick and convenient swing spaces for when schools are undergoing construction. Modular classrooms offer the benefit of moving from school to school, as one project is completed and another begins.

Permanent Modular Classrooms

As neighborhoods and families continue to grow, enrollment numbers at public schools, private schools and charter schools continue to increase, school expansion becomes necessary. Expanding conventional school buildings can be costly and time consuming, but permanent modular classroom buildings provide an effective alternative to help overcrowded classrooms. It’s flexible cost-saving classroom expansion in a fraction of the time.

Modular construction provides direct and indirect savings because expenses from unnecessary project management time and weather delays, which are typical with conventional construction, are avoided.