The modular classroom comeback
12th January 2011
 |
In the aftermath of cuts to Building Schools for Future (BSF) the contemporary equivalent of the 1960s mobile classroom is the antidote, claims a leading building control expert.
While the discredited mobile classrooms of the past would never meet modern standards of building control, John Mitchell from Regional Building Control (RBC) says that today's modular schoolroom is a model pupil.
RBC has worked on more than 50 schools and pre-schools with Homelodge, an award winning designer, manufacturer and fitter of beautiful modular timber buildings.
John, area manager for approved building control inspector RBC, says: "The original 1960s mobile classroom was only meant to be a temporary two-year stop-gap but today's modular buildings, created by the likes of Homelodge, are an entirely different kettle of fish.
"With funding slashed, educational bodies should see the modern modular option as a cost-effective, long-term and attractive solution to poor educational surroundings.
"Such contemporary classrooms have little problem meeting the demands of building control. They often exceed, for example, the rigorous technical performance and sustainability required for the new Part L.
"Modular construction also has an advantage because of its consistency in design, materials and environmental standards, which can accelerate the building control assessment process."
A close working relationship with Homelodge has enabled RBC to assess the specification of the builder's product range for building control purposes. The consistency of the modular classroom means that once on-site some of the building control requirements - such as energy calculations, thermal properties and fire resistance – are already known.
Felix Bolger, MD for Homelodge, says: "Partnering RBC has made a significant difference to our business. With all the changes to Building Regulations we have been able to have face-to-face discussions with our RBC Approved Inspector and agree generic designs which can be 'rolled out' throughout the country.
"This has meant that we are not subject to individual Building Control officer's interpretations, which ultimately means we can be sure of our pricing at the time of offering our quotation to our customers."
Homelodge Buildings Ltd is an award-winning family run business established in 1986. The company designs and builds timber buildings in locations throughout the UK. For more information click on www.homelodge.co.uk or call 01962 881 480.
RBC is one of the country's leading approved building control inspectors and has clocked-up more than 500 education projects.
It is an independent and proactive company, aiming to collaborate with design and construction teams to ensure the needs of the client and the building regulations are met effectively and efficiently.
For more information go to www.rbcltd.co.uk or call 01992 653 900.
Download an Application Form to initiate a Building Regulation Application
Click
here to read more
Our Nationwide coverage is achieved through regional offices and a network of homestations throughout England and Wales. Click on the map for details of our regional offices.
