Type of works: supply of 8 building modules for new school library.

Local government specifiers are increasingly turning to factory built, modular construction for developing existing as well as green-field school sites. Not only can great savings be made in construction costs and site development times reduced, but the steel framed buildings look just as pleasing and are equally as robust as those that are built using traditional building techniques.

Langley School in Solihull is a specialist college for the performing arts, languages and training. In recent years the school has expanded its accommodation with a multi-function hall and a double classroom block linked through to the main school building. Both of these modular buildings were designed and built by Wernick Buildings.

Because of their popularity, the best utilization of teaching space is a high priority in schools that hold an ‘outstanding’ OFSTED grade in every aspect of school life. Langley School is just such a school and the recently completed 287 square metre library released an additional 60 pupil places the old library had originally occupied. With its open plan design and equipped with multi-media IT equipment it also makes an attractive venue for evening lettings.

A 2.7m high ceiling gives the library a feeling of spaciousness, which together with recessed lighting, air-conditioning and a ceiling mounted projector completed an attractive and flexible interior.

The eight modules that comprise the Langley School library were delivered and craned into position in just one day. On-site finishing work took a further eleven weeks. This included a new walkway connecting the library to the existing school buildings. A similar traditionally built structure would take in the region of 50% longer to complete.

A greatly reduced on-site building time scale is particularly important in a densely populated area, particularly at a school or college campus. The ability to schedule the delivery of a modular building to coincide with holidays or weekends is often a critical factor for senior staff at educational establishments. With modular build most of the construction is done at the factory so the amount of heavy plant, noise and disruption on a client’s site is dramatically reduced, thus minimizing environmental impact on the area and reducing health and safety risks.

Why did Ray Baynes the School & Complex Manager appoint Wernick Buildings for a third new building for his school? “Time restraints, building quality and I’ve worked very successfully with Wernick before.” That really says it all.