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With the expansion of the education sector in the UK, there is now a growing need for flexible, affordable, and customizable learning spaces. The need is now greater than ever before. The good news is that temporary building providers have now come up with ways to provide the viable temporary classroom solutions that schools and colleges need to accommodate their increasing student populations, allow the execution of construction projects, and even continue operating in the event of fires or storm damage or any other reasons that put buildings out of action.
What are temporary classrooms?
Temporary classrooms are structures that are pre-fabricated in factories and delivered in sections or components which are easy to assemble and later disassemble, offering effective portable and temporary learning spaces. However, the components can also be used to offer longer-lasting learning accommodations that institutions can use for several years.
Temporary classrooms are great alternatives to conventional brick-and-mortar structures. Educational institutions can use them for different purposes including classrooms, science and computer labs along with sports and other facilities for educational purposes.
What are the benefits of temporary classrooms?
Below are some of the benefits of temporary classrooms:
They are cost-effective
To set up temporary classrooms, institutions need to spend just a fraction of the amount they would need to construct traditional brick-and-mortar structures. Temporary structures offer a cost-effective solution to accommodate high student intakes, cope with tragedies such as fires, host events such as symposiums and science presentations, and so on. And the good thing is that schools do not have to make huge investments, because they can simply lease temporary structures for a short period when needed.
Temporary classrooms are quick to install
Sometimes learning institutions need space for use as classrooms urgently and may not have the luxury of time to wait for the construction of permanent structures. Such as when there is an unexpectedly high intake of students when hosting learning events.
On such occasions, temporary classrooms come in handy to meet urgent space needs because providers such as Smart-Space, can deliver them quickly and help the schools to erect them in just a few days or weeks. Therefore, these temporary structures ensure learning is not disrupted, especially during disasters.
They are flexible and adaptable
Another great advantage of temporary classrooms is that they offer a high level of flexibility enabling learning institutions to respond to changing needs. They can be easily expanded to accommodate an increase in student numbers or even relocated if they are needed at other campuses, or are no longer in use. Also, these temporary structures can be built as extensions to existing buildings, or even erected between existing ones making the most of every inch of space available.
They have a minimal negative environmental impact
The manufacturing of temporary classrooms uses energy-efficient techniques and sustainable materials causing minimal negative impact on the environment. Besides, the erection of temporary buildings often does not involve the use of heavy machines and equipment or extensive excavation that messes up the environment. These structures can also be designed in ways that maximize energy savings, reduce waste and incorporate some of the best eco-friendly features like rainwater harvesting, solar panels, and the use of natural light.
What are some possible challenges of temporary classrooms?
Here are some of the possible downsides of temporary classrooms:
Possibility of lower quality
Although temporary classrooms are generally of high quality, there is a risk of an unscrupulous provider using lower-quality materials and assembling them to lower standards than permanent structures. Luckily, you can avoid this by only buying or renting these classrooms only from reputable suppliers and manufacturers.
Potential for a shorter lifespan
Temporary classrooms have a shorter lifespan than permanent structures. However, you can choose more durable materials like steel or aluminum frames and steel cladding instead of PVC cladding, to ensure the structures last longer.
Conclusion
Temporary classrooms have many benefits such as cost-savings, quick installation, flexibility, and eco-friendliness. On the other hand, they pose a few challenges such as the potential for poor quality materials and shorter lifespans, but you can mitigate these risks by choosing quality and durable materials for your structures and buying from reputable companies.