When you think of school construction, what comes to mind is usually not pleasant. Months of noise, construction crews, yellow tape, and at least some degree of uncertainty regarding when the project will be done.
For Christian schools, keeping a quiet atmosphere for learning and prayer is paramount, and most institutions cannot afford to delay their academic schedules or curricula.
So, what if there were another way to build, but without all the intrusion and unpredictability?
Fortunately, there is. And many administrators are now looking to modular buildings to help schools build faster, better, and smarter.
The Smart Way to Build
To be frank, modular buildings are nothing new. They’ve been used in some form or another since at least the 1600s in colonial America (when a fisherman shipped his disassembled house from England).
Elementary though it was at the time, modular has since come a long way. And recent technological advancements in materials and construction techniques have taken these buildings to the next level.
But before we get into their advantages, what exactly are modular buildings?
To put it simply, they are buildings made up of individual sections (called “modules”) that are built in a factory and then transported to the site to be assembled, as the fisherman did with his house. Once the parts reach the site, modules are put together like building blocks.
One of the biggest advantages of these buildings is that they are “turnkey,” meaning they’re ready to use as soon as they’re delivered.
Modular buildings come pre-wired and with switches, outlets, and lighting already installed. Plumbing systems, HVAC units, finishes, and other features can also be completed within the factory.
As you might expect, this speeds up the entire process and removes distractions that would otherwise occur with on-site construction. (Think loud sawing noises, dust, and other disruptions.)
Now that we’ve covered what modular buildings are, and have given a basic outline of how the construction process works, let’s take a deeper dive into why they may be a better choice for Christian schools than traditional construction.
Why Modular Is the Better Choice
When comparing modular buildings to traditionally built structures, the advantages are crystal clear. Here are a few benefits that have the biggest impact on schools.
Shorter Construction Timelines
It’s not a secret that “construction,” as typically understood, takes a long time. Often even months or years. So, when schools need to add space quickly because of fluctuations in enrollment, modular becomes the only way to meet the demand. For schools that need to have classrooms or other facilities within a matter of weeks, modular is the best way to go. There’s no need to delay programs, activities, or the academic calendar.
Low-Cost Alternative
Also, modular buildings are significantly more affordable. Because of the shortened process and because the parts are built with factory precision, labor and material costs are much lower. The savings that are passed on can allow administrators and other decision-makers to invest in areas more helpful to students.
Fewer Disruptions
As we mentioned already, traditional construction often comes with noise, dust, debris, and other interruptions, which are not pleasant, especially in an educational environment. The good news is that with modular, most of the work is finished off-site in a factory, which means that students will experience fewer distractions in prayer and in learning.
Flexibility & Customization
Finally, modular buildings are much more flexible than traditional ones, especially when it comes to moving them or adapting them. Schools can easily expand current buildings, downsize them, or even move them to a new campus. If you need to change an administrative space into a classroom, add soundproofing, create dividers to section off new areas, or some other modifications, all this is easy with modular. For a traditional building, this would be almost impossible without huge costs and interruptions.
Improving Christian Schools with Modular Space
As we’ve shown already, modular buildings are changing the way many school administrators think about space. Here are a few types of modular buildings that Christian schools might use to improve their campuses.
Modern Classrooms
When enrollment grows, schools often find themselves scrambling for extra space. Rather than increasing class sizes, modular buildings give administrators a better option for students. In less than a few weeks, these classrooms can be fully functional and equipped with modern technology.
Faith-Based Areas
Obviously, for many Christian schools, faith is at the center of campus life. Modular chapels and prayer rooms can create additional space for things like worship, reflection, or community gatherings and engagement.
Temporary Buildings
Whether you’re dealing with sudden emergencies, large spikes in enrollment, or planned renovations, schools can make use of modular buildings to continue day-to-day operations without shutting down and without compromising students’ education.
These are just a few of the many ways modular buildings can make a difference in Christian schools.
The Long-Term Value of Modular Buildings
Let’s be honest. One of the main reasons why people choose not to go with modular buildings is because they perceive them as being a short-term rather than a long-term solution. But this is far from the truth.
In fact, one of the most appealing features of modern modular buildings is their longevity and long-term value, which, when taken together with lower costs, makes them hard to beat as an investment.
These days, modular buildings are made with tough materials, such as anodized aluminum and steel, that can last for decades outdoors, and with minimal maintenance to boot.
Build for the Future, But Be Flexible
As we saw with the COVID-19 pandemic, the world can change quickly, and schools that are able to adapt quickly are much better equipped to overcome the challenges they face.
Modular buildings are a way to keep your options open. As a result, they are perfect for schools that are growing or that often find themselves constantly dealing with new changes.
With modular buildings, you can save on costs, shorten construction times, add flexibility, and ultimately, better accommodate students.
So, ask yourself…why build the old way when there are better alternatives?
This information is courtesy of Allied Modular Building Systems, Inc., a leading modular manufacturer known for its quality, innovation, and commitment to sustainability. Allied Modular continues to reduce its carbon footprint through green manufacturing practices while delivering top-tier prefabricated modular solutions, www.alliedmodular.com.
