New Modular Classrooms Expected to Cut Construction Costs 25 Percent

TWYFORD, England — International contracting and support services firm Interserve recently introduced a modular classroom kit that the company claims can cut the cost of building a new school by 25 percent. The environmentally friendly kits, called PodSolves, consist of steel framing that comes together to form flexible classroom units.

Interserve developed PodSolves in partnership with Maber architects, professional services firm Arup, and pod specialist Norwood. The kits are currently being used in the construction of The E-ACT Leeds East Academy, located in Leeds, England. Original estimates for the Leeds East Academy project came in at approximately $30.4 million. Using PodSolve, developers were able to reduce total construction costs to roughly $22 million.

The classroom pods are designed to serve as standalones or integrated with more traditional construction, such as with Leeds East Academy where the modular units will connect to an assembly hall, science labs, and gymnasium. Additionally, the entire building will require 60 weeks to assemble, as opposed to the approximately 80 weeks it would take to construct using traditional methods, thus providing an additional cost savings. Plus, the pods allow for a more flexible layout as opposed to the typical layout of corridors and regimented classrooms.

“The flexibility of the school will be hugely beneficial,” stated Leeds East Academy principal Helen Lane. “We can close off the rest of the school whilst opening the Sports Hall, Activity Studio, Drama Studio, and the Main Hall to benefit the local community.

Furthermore this approach leads to a much enhanced feeling of security for the pupils and, in turn, reassures parents that they are sending their children to a school that will be safe.”

The pods include a composite material encased within a rigid steel frame that significantly reduces exterior noises once inside the modular unit. In addition, the PodSolve kits’ photovoltaic panels, lighting control systems, and well-insulated walls all cut back on energy use and costs. The classroom pods are also easily separated, allowing for greater use by the local community. Pods may be moved, added, or removed within five days, allowing schools to change their layouts and shapes at will.