Posted on 14 December 2016

Refurbishing temporary or modular classrooms

Modular, mobile and temporary classrooms are a quick and economic way of creating additional teaching space. Over the years, schools have opted for this quick-fix solution to help them meet the demand for extra space to accommodate rapidly increasing numbers. Over time, many of these buildings have fallen into disrepair; with leaking roofs, ill-fitting windows and poor insulation they have become run-down and are no longer fit for purpose. 

Refurbishing – a highly cost effective and sustainable solution

Instead of replacing old for new, schools could consider refurbishing their old units. Hookway has been working on several refurbishment projects and it has proved a highly cost-effective solution. Done well, the building can be completely transformed, leaving it as good as new, and this can be achieved for around a quarter of the price of replacing the units.

Typically, we would expect a well refurbished building to last at least another 40 years or more – so this represents excellent value. Refurbishing is also an environmentally friendly solution as repairing and reusing materials helps cut down on waste. 

Transforming the temporary classrooms at St Bernadette Catholic Primary school

A recently completed project at St Bernadette Catholic Primary school in Hengrove, Bristol, is an excellent example of one such refurbishment. The school’s ‘hut’ was in a state of complete disrepair and no longer suitable for use. Water was coming in through the roof and windows and the thin walls did not retain heat in the winter, while the building became stiflingly hot in the summer, due to poor energy efficiency. The extra space was urgently required by the school so action needed to be taken to address the situation, but funding was in short supply.

Having reviewed the building our surveyor suggested that, with the right approach, it could be completely regenerated. A refurbishment was planned and implemented which included creating a new external envelope for the building including: new roof, windows and walls. The work was undertaken quickly and efficiently, and carried out to Hookway’s usual high standards.

The building now looks brand new from the outside, whilst inside is warm, dry and well insulated, as well as sound-proofed, creating a much nicer environment for the children. The school’s Business Manager, Chris Mills, said; “There has been an absolute transformation and the work has delivered excellent value for money. We now have a bright new building that the children and teachers enjoy being in. I would highly recommend this option as a cost effective and timely solution to the problem of out of date temporary school buildings”. 

 The newly refurbished hut looks brand new. 

Inside is now warm, dry and well insulated.