It's a construction concept dating back to Egypt's Great Pyramids; a practice of
design and building that's found commonly today in school districts
worldwide-in ordinary temporary classrooms
The fundamental principle of "systems building" has been around for thousands of
years. Designing, shaping, transporting, lifting, raising, and precisely
connecting components together have all been an integral part of a building
concept that dates back to the Neolithic architecture of Stonehenge in England
and to the Great Pyramids of Egypt. Not unlike these particular enigmas, the
concept of modular construction and the untapped potential of such an exacting
system still remains a mystery to many, though it is one easily explained.
 Simply stated, "modular
building" is a method of construction by which a building ranging from 50 to
50,000 square feet (or more), is created off-site under controlled conditions,
transported to a site in three-dimensional sections, and installed on a
foundation. Typically, buildings fulfilling temporary needs such as classrooms
or classroom complexes are anywhere from 80 to 95% completed before they leave
a manufacturer's plant. As a result, site disruption is kept to a minimum.
The roots of modular building can be traced back over a century, but advances in
trends and technology over the past decade or so, have propelled it forward,
making it one of the most flexible and efficient construction concepts on the
market today.
Making the Right Choices
Whether you are an owner, architect, engineer, school administrator or
facilities planner, you should be aware of all of the options currently
available to you in factory-built construction. From the temporary classrooms
outlined in this issue, to the latest in permanent schools or school additions
that will be detailed in our next issue, you can be assured that modular
building suppliers in this industry are a veritable wealth of information,
focused on helping you achieve your objectives.
This magazine has been developed to help you, the buyer, explore the endless
possibilities of modular construction, while learning what challenges,
solutions, ideas and innovation have been discovered and applied throughout the
U.S., Canada, and beyond.
More often than not, the modular building you receive is a result of a good
innovative and an educated approach. As a guide, here are five suggestions to
help you maximize your opportunity to obtain a temporary classroom facility
that exceeds your expectations.
1. Communicate; Research Your Options
Ask questions, meet with potential suppliers to discuss your program in depth,
and if you have not already done so, research your options. Look at all the
materials, features and finishes available today that are being incorporated
into these classrooms to create a healthy, comfortable learning environment and
consider how they might work for you.
Understand that, just like traditional construction methods, modular buildings
must conform to building code standards. There is no "free license" for design
criteria, no exemption from the rules. In fact, the process of modular building
is subject to stringent inspection procedures by the manufacturer, and in many
cases, a third party inspection agency and/or a state or local official. In
most instances, builders must have a quality assurance program in place that
has been approved by either the state or third-party agency, or both.
2. Set Your Expectations High!
As the buyer, planner, or specifier, you are in control. You can set the
specifications, you can set the standards, and you can drive the results. So
set your expectations high! There is no reason to receive "second best" in any
learning environment, including relocatable classrooms. In order to ensure that
your classrooms and complexes meet or exceed your expectations, communicate
your needs clearly to your potential suppliers. There should be no
misunderstanding.
 3. Outline Your Buying Criteria
This ties in a little with communication. Modular construction offers a
multitude of features and benefits. Knowing them and using them to your
advantage will assist you in attaining your desired objectives.
Financing options, building features, relocatability, speed of construction,
minimized site disruption, and design flexibility are just a few of the
motivators that prompt school administrators and planners to look to temporary
classrooms for accommodation. Letting your suppliers know what particular
motivators are driving your purchase will help them prioritize, make
recommendations, and respond with your specific needs in mind.
4. Establish Your Base, Then Look for More
You may have specified your classrooms right down to the fasteners, and
unquestionably this is the best way of evaluating your package on an "apples to
apples" basis. But consider going a step further. Ask for recommendations. You
would be amazed at the breadth and depth of experience and knowledge your
modular building suppliers have in house-all looking for an opportunity to
apply their innovation.
5. Go For the 'Valley' Whenever You Can
Understandably there are external environmental forces at work that can prevent
a school board from going out for proposals whenever they choose. Funding is
usually at the top of the list. However, wherever possible, try to get a
jump-start on the process so that you can be assured of securing regular
production time.
Modular building companies look favorably on a steady diet of year-round
production, as opposed to the peaks and valleys that tend to be more
characteristic of the industry. Find out when the industry slows down in your
region. It will vary between locations. Make an effort to slot your
requirements into those "valley" time frames. It could be a win-win for you and
your builder
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