How much does a modular classroom cost?

Updated – July 2021

Schools throughout the UK are under pressure from an increase in pupil numbers, limited space and reduced budgets.

Adding space to an existing school site can be challenging. Time, space and site access as well as working around the school calendar are all important considerations.

• As a general guide, modular classrooms cost somewhere in the region of £800 – £900 per square metre (sqm) depending on exact specifications, with total costs for a double classroom building ranging between £95,000 and £120,000.
• This excludes groundworks, crane hire, transport and is purely for the building only.

Associated Benefits Of Modular Design

Speed

Certainly, if you’re thinking of a traditional build then all of the above are potentially extremely problematic but if you’re short on space or time then a modular design could be the right solution for you as approximately 90% of the construction takes place at the factory, minimising time-on-site and potential disruption. Often school expansion projects need to be delivered by the start of the new academic year and this puts increased pressure on traditional building contractors working in the education sector and timings can slip as they juggle multiple projects, and inclement weather causes previously unforeseen delays.

Aesthetics

When you think of a mobile classroom it probably conjures up images of metal portable buildings like shipping containers but today’s modern education buildings are available in a whole range of styles, finishes and cladding options to blend into any traditional or contemporary surrounding.

Ready-to-go

A modular school building can be installed and ready to go in a matter of weeks, so could easily be craned into position during one of the school holiday periods as the construction and fit-out can all be carried out offsite prior to the install. This reduces the impact on school operations and any other scheduled site activities, minimising disruption for both school and pupils.

Future proof

Flexibility is a key consideration for many schools, and classroom buildings can be configured to suit any requirement such as a science block, drama studio or IT suite, plus they can be reconfigured at a later date as demand changes.

Each classroom is moveable, stackable and can be repurposed, making it the ultimate in flexible, future-proof school infrastructure.

Today’s modern modular school buildings are also highly durable, designed to last for up to 50 years.

Energy efficient

Using the latest technology and materials, modular school buildings are also highly energy-efficient, keeping pupils warm and energy bills low for the long term.

Bottom Line

According to an article on the cost model of primary schools in 2013, an example ‘low cost’ 4000sqm primary school built on a greenfield site in the South East of England, had predicted costs of £1497.50/sqm for construction (building) only with a projected construction period of 56 weeks.

In terms of modular school classrooms, buildings can be hired or purchased outright as either new or refurbished so there are lots of different ways to maximise stretched budgets. It’s worth bearing in mind that new modular classrooms can be fully customised to meet your requirements for space and amenities so costs will vary depending on the exact specification required. However, it is likely to be around 50% cheaper than a traditional build, and at least 70% quicker to complete.

For any school or education projects, please don’t hesitate to contact us.