FAQs

How long do modular buildings last?

Our buildings are designed to be incredibly durable structures and their timber constructs are designed in accordance with euro code zero to exceed 60 years lifespan with minimal upkeep.

How big is a standard classroom?

Typically a standard classroom will range in size depending on its function. For nurseries and SEM spaces we would recommend 3.5 sqm per child whilst most classrooms for KS1 and KS2 children are 2 sqm per child. If you are planning to use one of our buildings as a dining room then we would recommend 0.9 sqm per child.

Do you do foundations and connect all services?

Yes. We offer a full turn-key service providing there is adequate capacity within the site to do so.

What foundations do you use?

We have a number of fully engineered foundation solutions to suit most ground conditions including:

• Pad and pier foundation solution
• Strip foundations
• Screw piles (ideal for close proximity to trees)
• Reinforced rafts (ideal for made up ground)
• Insulated slabs

Is cedar the only cladding/façade option?

No, whilst cedar wood is our most popular cladding/façade option, we can also clad buildings in render, brick and aluminum.

How long will cedar wood last?

Untreated natural cedar should last between 40 and 60 years. 

Is it a flat roof?

The roof of a modular building is not actually flat. Instead there is a pitch built into the roof to direct rainwater towards the gutters.

What is the roof covering?

Roof covering ensures that a building is dry, leak free and protected from roof damage. We use a single ply membrane called ‘Alwitra’ on our buildings which comes with a manufacturer’s warranty of 20 years.

How do you heat the buildings?

For all main spaces, we use ‘AA rated Mitsubishi/Hitachi’ air source heat pumps. For smaller rooms we use LST convector heaters instead.

Can fire and intruder alarms be linked in the new school building?

Yes, we ensure all existing infrastructure can be linked with the new building and liaise with the existing school’s providers to ensure a fully compatible installation.

What warranties and guarantees do you offer?

We offer a 10-year warranty on the structure, a 1 year warranty on the fixtures and fittings and a 20-year manufacturer’s warranty on the roof covering. Other components do have extended warranties however details on these will be provided for on request.>

What contracts do you offer for the project?

Depending on the client and the size of project, there are a number of contracts that can be administered, most common being A JCT minor and intermediate works contract.

How is the hot water heated?

General offering is an electric stored Santon water heater, specified according to building use and the number of draw off points it has. Other options include:

• Air source heat pumps
• Instantaneous water heaters
• Solar Panels
• Traditional gas boiler system
• LPG boiler system.

How economical are the buildings to run?

As standard we use LED lighting throughout our buildings as well as ‘AA’ rated air source heat pumps for heating. Our insulation ‘U’ values are very high and, even without the introduction of some additional green technologies, our buildings can achieve a low A/high B EPC (Energy Performance Certificate). When fitted with just some of these green technologies, such as PV roof panels, we can achieve an A+ rated building.