Frequently asked questions

Our buildings are designed to be incredibly durable structures and their timber constructs are designed in accordance with Euro Code Zero to exceed 50 years lifespan with minimal upkeep.

Typically a standard classroom will range in size depending on its function. For nurseries and SEN 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.

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

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

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

Untreated natural cedar should last between 40 and 60 years.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 and details on these can be provided on request.

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

The 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

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 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.

Yes, planning permission is needed for our buildings. However we conduct the application for you as part of the building’s costs to save you hassle and ensure you have the right building in the correct location and with permanent planning consent.

It can take between 10 and 12 weeks to gain consent. Statutory approval time is often 8 weeks in length, with a 2-week period for the authority to register the application.

All buildings over 30 square metres require building regulations approval. As with planning, our approved inspector will obtain this approval on your behalf.

The planning department may request a number of supporting surveys. They could include:

• Arboriculture survey
• Ecological
• Archaeological
• Drainage and surface water
• Soil investigation
• Flood risk assessment

As with standard planning permission, we can undertake all of these on your behalf.

No, we work in live schools all year round. We will create a full Construction Phase Health and Safety Plan in collaboration with the school to ensure that all operations are carried out safely and have minimal impact on the day-to-day running of the school.

Every building is bespoke, so the cost depends on size, specification and site. Our Ranges & Prices page shows guide prices for typical classroom, office and sports buildings, and every project gets a fixed price from day one, so you can budget with confidence.

We offer a no-obligation free consultation with all our buildings. This means that we will assess the site and discuss the individual needs of the client at no extra cost. From this we will then generate a plan and visualisation of the new building along with a comprehensive quotation for the project.

We will tailor a payment schedule to suit your individual circumstances so you do not have to worry about payment until you are ready.

No. We make all our prices clear and easy to understand, offering an all-inclusive price for the project which includes planning and fittings.