Offsite construction specialist Terrapin has created a Rapid Response solution that addresses the demand in the market for cost effective, turnaround of bespoke classroom buildings.
The rapid response service allows Terrapin to deliver fully equipped, permanent, modular classroom units to a bespoke design within less than two months. The buildings can be supplied to BREEAM Excellent rating, where required, which includes the inclusion of renewable technologies.
The London Borough of Bexley put Terrapin’s new Rapid Response service to the test recently when the local authority specified three new permanent Unitrex classroom units for two primary schools, which were urgently needed to meet the demand for expanding pupil numbers.
The leading offsite specialist designed and built the three single classroom units for schools in the Thamesmead area, with all three units supplied, delivered and commissioned within just a few weeks.
Terrapin introduced the Rapid Response service in response to the Government’s decision to end the Building Schools for the Future programme and following public sector spending reviews, which meant some schools have fallen behind with replacing old classrooms or adding new ones and, as a result, do not have enough space to accommodate all their pupils comfortably.
The Rapid Response service involves Terrapin’s renowned Unitrex system, which uses standardised system components that are delivered to site in a flat-pack configuration.
The system is fabricated in a British Standard quality-assured factory to create permanent or temporary low-rise buildings. The Unitrex panels are particularly well suited to projects where there is restricted site access, whilst still enabling the creation of a weathertight seal to the permanent building within three days.
Terrapin has the expertise to act as main contractor for schools, which involves carrying out all management responsibility for Health & Safety, as required under CDM (Construction Design Maintenance) regulations.
Adrian Day, Managing Director of Terrapin, said: “We have responded to demand in the market from schools and local authorities who are looking for classroom units to be designed, built and delivered within just a few weeks. By using our Unitrex system, we can deliver buildings that meet all performance requirements, within a short timescale and working within the constraints of restricted site access. Our ability to project manage the whole process is proving very appealing to schools and is one of the main reasons why this concept is gaining so much interest. “
Terrapin has over 60 years’ experience of working with schools to provides a complete turnkey service, which includes concept and design, manufacturing, groundworks, landscaping, drainage, gas installation and IT right through to project managing to final handover.
The company operates to ISO90001 quality standards and is renowned for its right first time approach. This means that every component is checked before leaving the factory – ensuring clients of the highest quality build on site.
Terrapin is one of the UK’s leaders in offsite construction. The company has pioneered Modern Methods of Construction since 1949 and is renowned in the construction industry for its bespoke service, its complete project management and its flexible and individual approach to each project.
For more information on Terrapin, telephone 01908 270900 or email: [email protected] or visit the website: www.terrapin-ltd.co.uk.
