Permanent Modular Education over 10,000 sq. ft.

Entry Name: Full Day Kindergarten: BC Ministry of Education

Entrant: Shelter Industries, Inc.

Affiliate: None

Location: 104 Sites, BC

Building Use: Full-Day Kindergarten Classrooms

Architectural Excellence

Number of Modules: 280

Average Module Size: 28 x 56 x 11

Total Square Feet: 216000

Days to Complete: 243

This $30 million design/build project encompassed 140 double-wide, 1500 sq.ft. modular classrooms. About 75% were installed on permanent foundations, and 25% on temporary foundations. All school buildings had to be designed for severe climate conditions, from high snow loads (maximum 150 psf) in Northern BC to high seismic stresses in Southern BC. This enabled the classrooms to be relocated throughout the province without requiring upgrades. Setting a new benchmark in modular design, these buildings were enhanced with an extra durable 40-year lifespan and additional high performance warm insulation outside the framing. Other key features included: Wood interior/exterior finishing; Extra large, functional windows with security screens and roll shutters; Energy-efficient HVAC system; Roughed in plumbing for washrooms; Wiring for computers; Custom-built cabinetry and cubby room; Bright and colourful acoustic ceiling panels to reduce sound and stimulate learning.

Technical Innovation

Shelter employed creative thinking and the most advanced technologies to produce a superior structure that sets a new benchmark for modular school construction in British Columbia. To enhance the long-lasting durability of these modular buildings, Shelter incorporated: Seismic strengthening; Snow load strengthening (to a max snow load of 150 PSF); High performance warm insulation outside the framing. To enhance the long-lasting comfort of these modular buildings, Shelter incorporated: Acoustic ceiling panels to reduce sound; Energy-efficient HVAC system; Functional windows, custom cabinetry, washrooms, telecommunications cables and more. These new buildings are the way of the future, said the Minister of Children and Family Development.

Cost Effectiveness/Energy Efficiency

FLEXIBILITY KEY TO COST-EFFECTIVENESS: With enrolment growing in some areas and declining in others, modular classrooms provide the flexibility to be moved or clustered should enrolment forecasts change. With Seismic and Snow load (150 PSF) strengthening, these buildings provide maximum flexibility to be located/relocated throughout the province. Ultimately, this provides the Province of BC with much greater long-term cost savings. LABOUR SAVINGS: "Modular buildings provide a ton of savings in time and labour. Buildings are constructed indoors, eliminating weather delays. Plus building construction can move ahead without waiting for foundations to be laid. This translates into a costs savings, which means more money can be put into the classroom," commented the Minister of Children and Family Development. ENERGY-EFFICIENT: With extra high performance warm insulation outside the framing and energy- efficient HVAC system, these buildings represent the ultimate in energy efficiency.