While times are changing and the idea of a prefab classroom is becoming more mainstream, people’s attitudes towards them are somewhat slower to change.

In terms of cost, sustainability, and customisation options, modular buildings are the future of educational infrastructure and expansion.

However, there are still many commonly-held misconceptions about the concept of modular construction and its uses in the education sector.

In this article, we debunk some of the most common myths about prefab classrooms.

 

Six common myths about the prefab classroom

 

Prefab classrooms offer a flexible, cost-effective solution to the problem of overcrowding in schools, but many people still have concerns that they are not sturdy enough or that they won’t blend in with the rest of the building.

Other myths and misconceptions include:

 

Myth #1: A prefab classroom is unsafe

 

The number one priority of any school is the safety of its pupils and employees. Prefab classrooms from EcoMod are fully compliant with all relevant building regulations for the education sector.

So, you can rest assured that your new classroom is a reliable and fully functional building that is as well made as traditionally constructed classrooms and has all of the same security features, including alarms, sprinklers and smoke detectors.

 

 

Myth #2: They are easily accessible to strangers

 

Prefab classrooms are just as secure as traditional classrooms, if not more. They have the same access-control measures as a traditional building and are simple to equip with card readers and key fobs.

Because they are fully customisable to your specific needs, they can be built with any number of security features from the standard to the more advanced.

 

Myth #3: They are just trailers, not proper buildings

 

When prefab classrooms first started becoming popular, they were cold, draughty and visually unappealing by today’s standards.

However, those days are long gone — modern modular classrooms are incredibly well made and can be fully customised to blend in with existing buildings, from the paint colours and external finishes to the windows and interior walls.

And as we’ve mentioned, far from being ‘just a trailer’, our prefab classrooms are designed to meet the same building regulations, material makeup and quality standards as a traditionally constructed building.

 

Myth #4: A prefab classroom will use too much energy

 

On the contrary, prefab classrooms are very eco-friendly and incredibly energy efficient.

Because modular units are adaptable to all kinds of wiring and inputs, it means that they can accommodate low-voltage electrical systems to power low-energy items such as LED lights, fans and alarms.

Our modular classrooms can also come equipped with advanced energy-efficient features such as geothermal systems, solar heating panels, high-quality HVAC systems, triple-glazed windows, and high-quality insulation.

 

 

Myth #5: Poor air quality

 

Schools are well aware of the health benefits of increased ventilation and better air quality in classrooms. Not only does it minimise the spread of diseases, but it also improves concentration levels, reduces the frequency and severity of asthma attacks, and even results in lower levels of absenteeism.

Many people mistakenly believe prefab classrooms to be stuffy and poorly ventilated, but the reality is completely the opposite!

Prefab classrooms actually offer better ventilation and also have a purer air quality than traditionally constructed buildings, which is mainly due to the manufacturing method.

Because they are built in a factory rather than on-site, they have more time for off-gassing which results in less exposure to VOCs in the classroom.

They are also much less likely to have moisture trapped inside them during the construction process. This means that mould is less likely to form, which drastically reduces the classroom’s air quality.

 

Myth #6: They are expensive

 

Off-site construction results in lower build costs, lower labour costs, and less of a need for plants and machinery. This means that prefab classrooms (and modular buildings in general) can be designed and constructed at a fraction of the cost of traditional construction.

Not only are they cheaper to build, but they are also extremely energy-efficient, enabling schools to save money on their energy bills for years to come.

 

Prefab classrooms – the ideal solution for schools

 

At EcoMod, we pride ourselves on providing bespoke, high-quality, structurally sound solutions for all your educational needs. Manufactured to the highest standards right here in Ireland, our prefab classrooms are fully compliant with current building regulations.

Our EcoSpan range is highly suited to the needs of the education sector, offering a flexible and cost-effective way for schools to accommodate growing student numbers.

As an Irish company with over ten years of experience and a team of fifty dedicated staff, you can rest assured that your new classrooms are in safe hands. Get in touch with our friendly team and start expanding your school space today!

Don’t forget to also check our blog and resources pages for industry-leading news and trends.