Chandler Unified Schools Modular Building Case Study

Build A Learning Environment, Not A Portable Classroom

STEM Learning Environment

Just a thought to get everyone having a conversation about what is a learning environment.  As I thought about it more there are some comparisons that come to mind that are similar to the human body.   A human body does not function with bones alone, it needs muscles, and joints, and tendons, and skin to be flexible and grow.  Yet we expect our learning environments to thrive with just a basic box (a skeleton of bones if you will), and think this will function effectively.

Modular Solutions, Ltd has developed a classroom learning environment for the STEM or STEAM learning culture that will grow and move and has flexible systems to choose from.

What makes a classroom environment successful?

Energy Efficiency: So that schools have the funds to operate, and can show future generations that there is "a better way to build"

Natural lighting: To encourage creativity and good health

Open flexible Space:  Students can work in small groups, alone, in large classroom settings.  Having flexible space options make a huge difference in how a teacher can reach all the senses of a student as they educate


New generation ceiling tiles that block sound travel and absorb sound, such as the new panels manufactured by Armstrong Ceiling Systems 

Carpet squares like those designed by Desso, a Tarkett company that are environmentally friendly, that can be take up or removed as space changes are required.

Cloud based learning wall, such as  provided by Nureva, Inc  that students can all participate in the collaborative learning approach

Decorative and inviting exterior finishes.  Gone are the days when a modular classroom had to be a wood sided box, with a pitched roof and shingles.  If the modular classroom exterior is fun and inviting the children will be excited about coming to school each day

To find out more about our specialty design systems that are incorporated into our STEM and STEAM learning environment classrooms contact our preconstruction team.

Modular Solutions, Ltd

Phone: 800-441-8577 x 1 Sales

email: information@Mod-sol.com

Website: www.modularsolutionsltd.com

Modular Building Relocations, Five Great Tips

How To Relocate A Modular Building

Moving a modular building or portable classroom can be done easily in a day or two, and makes sense when you have changing enrollments or you have found a great deal on a used modular building.  Below are a few quick tips that will help make moving a modular building or portable classroom building more efficient and economical.

• Tip # 1:  Plan ahead.  If you know your modular building needs to move in June, start planning the relocation in January to give your team plenty of time to get drawings, utility planning, site planning and coordination, and other efforts accomplished.
• Tip # 2: Meet with local jurisdiction:   Even if you are exempt, meet with the local jurisdiction and find out if there will be any unexpected expenses or requirements so the budget and the schedule stay as proposed.
• Tip # 3: Make a preliminary schedule on paper & make sure all of the vendors, sub consultants, sub contractors, and jurisdictions get a copy.  This way all of the extended team members will buy in and be notified of their scope and their time lines.  If a schedule changes it is always easy to send out a revision.   If you use a program like Modular Solutions uses such as MS Project it is easy to show events in sequential order and events that link together.

Tip # 4: As your move date approaches watch the local weather reports for rain/snow or if you get irrigation look at the watering schedule.   If the weather is going to be bad then don't worry about sliding your schedule around.   If you don't look at possible weather delays, and inform your team ahead a sub contractor may have to slide your schedule by days or weeks due to lack of planning.

• Tip # 5:  Make sure every team member (sub contractors and employees) involved in the relocation get a copy of the drawings and schedule. We have built a great team at Modular Solutions, Ltd and benefit from sub contractors catching things on the drawings that could have really impacted the schedule or cost if they had not been noticed.   It is a team effort and everyone can contribute to the success of a project.

For more information contact our team at:

Modular Solutions, Ltd

Phone:  800-441-8577 x 1 (sales)

Email:  Information@mod-sol.com

website:  www.modularsolutionsltd.com

facebook:  www.facebook.com/modularsolutionsltd

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Does A Modular Building Meet Daycare Codes?

Modular buildings are used across the USA for daycare centers. Many daycare centers are financed entirely through the modular building company or a 3rd party leasing company. Financial companies know that constructing a successful daycare center is based on "location", and not if the building is site built or modular. Modular buildings have to meet the same building code as a site contractor, and then one up! What does that mean? Imagine a building driving down the road and traveling to the site. Modular buildings have additional structural value built into the building so that it can safely transport to the site and have no damages to the facility or the structural integrity. A site constructed building is only framed to set in one place, much less structural bracing and enhancements.

Modular buildings are financed now the same as a site built structure. Most lenders will include the modular building, the site, the site work, and the FFE (furniture/fixtures/equipment) in your total finance package. There are some great formulas they use to identify maximum cash outlay for total return on investment.

By choosing a company with daycare experience you can probably find a floor plan that is close to what you need, with minimal layout change. Selecting a company with experience, saves additional money on architectural review if the team has in-house architects. Modular building companies that have been in the modular industry for 10 or 15 years have constructed hundreds of daycare and head start facilities & have already included the healthcare & building codes in your design.

Modular daycare centers offer fun & flexible play space for infants through school age children and offer savings in time & money!

To learn more about modular daycare centers, contact our team at Modular Solutions. We have been providing quality daycare centers since 1996.

Contact us:

Modular Solutions, Ltd
Phone: 800-441-8577 x 1
email: inforamtion@mod-sol.com
website: www.modularsolutionsltd.com
facebook: www.facebook.com/modularsolutionsltd

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Modular Churches, and Modular Multi-Purpose Buildings

Thinking about modular construction for your new church or multipurpose facility? There are many considerations, it helps if you know some common boundaries and innovations on your way there.

Ceiling height has always been a concern with modular churches. You typically want at least 10' high ceilings in an open space. This creates transportation issues in some areas. New innovations allow for higher ceilings with telescoping roof systems or fold out systems.
Many of our church clients will leave out the ceiling system and have exposed beams to allow a higher finished ceiling height.

Another consideration has typically been posting or roof load support. Most meeting rooms need clear vision in the entire room. While it may cost a little more to get clearspan steel roof beams it is usually a worthwhile expense. Having a post is distracting & takes away from the flexibility of the room use. In the end your team has to compare overall budget and incorporate those decisions into the decision making process.





For more tips like this consult our preconstruction team at Modular Solutions, Ltd (800) 441-8577 x 1
email: information@modularsolutionsltd.com
website: www.modularsolutionsltd.com

all rights reserved ©

How long should it take to build my modular campus?

A school campus built by traditional means usually takes 18-24 months to get built. This traditional modular campus of 20,000 square ft took 90 days to design, permit, and install.

Schools that are built for permanent use with concrete floors take a little more design time. This school was 30 days in design review & 75 days to construct and install for 15,000 square ft. If you have a supportive local jurisdiction the plan review process is quicker and the fabrication and installation time frames depend on if you selected any highly customized long lead design items. If you stay with local manufacturers and select from their readily available products the construction time frames can stay lean. To get started with your plans, call our professional team at (800) 441-8577 consultations and conceptual plans are free. Visit our website at www.modularsolutionsltd.com or send us any questions to information@modularsolutionsltd.com