Learning from an Essex model
Back in September of 2021, we completed the first of a batch of three modular construction projects for Essex County Council, with two others due to complete in November.
Works at Colne Community School & College in Brightlingsea, include the development of a brand new teaching block containing eight general teaching classrooms, two resistant material technology rooms, two food technology rooms, a seminar room and plant room.
At Clacton County High School in Clacton-on-Sea the expansion project includes the construction of a brand new standalone teaching block, creating 10 general teaching classrooms, plant room, and a four-court sports hall.
Finally the team have completed a standalone teaching block at The Sweyne Park School in Rayleigh, which provides an extra 150 school places for children of high school age.
These innovation projects are breaking the mould for education delivery in the County, so we gathered together key stakeholders together on a short podcast to check in on how the programme is going, and the lessons that can be learned.
Click to listen to the discussion live in our latest podcast
Contracts Manager for Morgan Sindall Construction in Essex Dale Smith (pictured left), is joined by:
It is important to visit other projects, and other authorities, to learn from what has gone before. Make sure you then tell the story to dispel any myths.
Bringing an experienced team in early ensures you won’t start from scratch and reinvent the wheel. It will also maximise efficiencies in the design and build period.
Unlike traditional design, where modular batching is involved, end users could be disengaged. Bring them on the journey, let them visit other projects and the factory – they’ll be excited when they see the quality.
For modular to work even better, and create even better savings, repeating the design over batches of projects is key. Is it possible to batch for several local authorities?
Arguably the most important of better, faster, greener – get everyone to the table early to challenge how this can be designed from day one so that the opex is as important as the capex in cost decision making.
Essex have proved that modular can co-exist perfectly with traditional construction. Whilst the case here for modular in this example is strong, make sure it starts as just an option, before you progress to solution. Modular is not a tick box exercise.
