Rapidly expanding pupil intake numbers to meet the needs of the local community prompted Abbeymead Junior school to get in touch. They had an immediate requirement for two additional classroom spaces and associated facilities. The site identified for the new building was the existing playground, however, after careful consideration of the wider site, a grassed area adjacent to the playground was found to be the most suitable.
We undertook careful planning around the site in coordination with an ecological consultant to ensure that removal of existing trees and other associated groundworks could be undertaken with the minimum of impact. Our aim was to provide a building with a level point of access for convenience and to avoid the need for unsightly ramps. This also offers the advantage of minimising the groundworks required. We aim to be as environmentally conscious as possible with all of our modular buildings.
Other considerations for this modular classroom are things like as the ages of the children who would be using the classrooms were also paramount in the planning. We provided a turnkey solution which included for fencing and gates to provide a secure and safe area for the new reception class intakes. We also made improvements to the access paths leading up to the new building.
We began looking at the site of the modular classroom in early Spring and by July we had planning approval in place. With careful coordination of all involve in the project we were able to have everything in place for delivery of the modules to site by the beginning of August and the whole building complete and ready to move in to by the start of the new school year. Much of the construction work took place off-site and with the site finishing works being undertaken in the summer holidays the school were able to ensure that the risks of site works were kept to a minimum.
The finished modular classrooms are permanent and bear many of the hallmarks and details associated with a Pod Space eco modular project. Each of the classrooms is naturally lit from various angles, provided by glazing across the front elevation, as well as large format rooflights. Each has a store room and child friendly toilet facilities as well as teacher friendly features such as children’s cloakroom area.
As always it’s the final feedback that really matters, and Zoe Tebbutt, the schools business manager had this to say:
“I would like to thank Ben and his team for our fantastic new classrooms.
The bright, well-designed and spacious building has been highly praised by staff and our children think they are amazing!
I have been very impressed with a high quality product, the standard of service and outstanding professionalism provided by Pod Space. I would recommend them unreservedly”.
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