A phased solution to deliver optimum teaching and learning space for Buckton Fields Primary School

Buckton Fields Primary school was ordered to shut by the Department for Education (DfE) following building surveys, which identified concerns with building work carried out at the school by a specific contractor that is no longer in business, something which sent shock waves through the modular and MMC industry. Students were immediately moved to its sister school, Pineham Barns, in order to maintain the exact same quality of teaching and learning, while temporary buildings from Portakabin were installed.
A phased response from Portakabin meant the school was back in its home community, in brilliant brand-new purpose-built premises by February. The temporary buildings offer the same high quality creative learning spaces and resources children enjoyed at the existing building - with separate classrooms, a school hall, kitchen facilities - and now also offering an innovation space, new early years outdoor area and dedicated space for breakfast and after-school clubs.
Phase 1, which is complete, will see facilities provided for Early Years to Year 2, supporting almost 180 pupils. Phase 2, due to complete in Summer 2024, will see the creation of a second storey with the addition of 18 more Portakabin modules, supporting learning environments for up to Year 4, increasing provision at the school for up to 300 pupils, delivering four additional teaching classrooms and three breakout spaces with glazed partitioning.
This phased and adaptable approach is the hallmark of modular construction, allowing flexible design to futureproof buildings for optimum usage.