When you decide to use modular classroom buildings for your school projects, there’s one question you need to ask yourself:
Do I need a permanent or temporary modular classroom?
It may seem like a simple answer at first. However, many people have preconceived notions about the differences between permanent and modular classrooms.
In this blog, we’ll dive into what makes permanent and temporary modular classrooms different and when each one makes sense for your situation.
The key is in the name: Permanent modular classrooms are structures designed for permanent use, while temporary classrooms are for use cases where a school or educational facility won’t need the building forever.
Type of Temporary School Building
The type of modular building you want will also play a role in deciding which route to take. If you want a highly customized building in a different size configuration and with certain design aspects, you may have to choose a permanent modular classroom. Since temporary modular classrooms are on lease and are already built, you’ll be limited in some of the customization options. For example, with Triumph Modular, everything works based on modules. A standard-sized module is 14 feet wide and comes in either 14’ x 66’ or 14’ x 70’ box sizes.
Choosing a temporary modular means that you’ll need to stay within these parameters. However, what you can do is add as many of the modules as you need to reach the necessary size. In this example, you can see three modules coming together to form three classrooms with a hallway:
If you’re looking for a highly customizable option, permanent modular is the way to go.
Why Lease a Modular Classroom?
Choosing modular for your classroom needs provides many benefits over traditional construction, including:
Speed to occupancy – The primary benefit of the modular building process. Choosing a prebuilt classroom space allows you to take advantage of the new space in record time—especially compared to traditional construction methods.
Flexibility – What happens when you no longer need your building? All you do is return it to Triumph Modular—no need to pay for something you don’t require anymore.
Lower site impact – Schools need to maintain a nurturing environment for maximum learning potential—something that is difficult to do with the heavy machinery required for traditional construction. Leasing modular classrooms keeps site impact to a minimum so schools can focus on providing a positive learning environment.
Greener construction – The modular building process contributes to a lesser impact on the environment, including lower material waste and the use of green building materials.
CASE STUDIES: TRIUMPH MODULAR’S TEMPORARY CLASSROOM PROJECTS
In the rapidly evolving field of education, schools face increasing pressure to expand and enhance their facilities to meet the needs of growing student populations. Modular construction has emerged as a highly effective solution, offering speed, flexibility, and quality. Triumph Modular has been at the forefront of this movement, partnering with educational institutions to deliver state-of-the-art learning environments.
Two recent projects exemplify Triumph Modular’s commitment to excellence: the classroom expansion at Lexington High School and the temporary classroom addition at Parkhurst Elementary School in Winchester, MA. Both projects demonstrate how modular construction can provide timely, cost-effective solutions without sacrificing the quality or functionality required in educational settings. These case studies highlight Triumph Modular’s innovative approaches and their ability to overcome challenges, ensuring that students and educators alike benefit from modern, efficient, and inspiring spaces.
These case studies highlight the practical applications and benefits of portable office buildings in real-world scenarios.
Lexington High School Classroom Expansion
Over the summer break, Triumph Modular delivered 18,000 square feet of new classroom space to Lexington High School and a 13,074-square-foot expansion at Parkhurst Elementary School. Ensuring it was ready for the first day of the new school year—on time and within budget. The modular building provided 15 new classrooms to address overcrowding without compromising quality. Designed for permanent use, the building includes energy-efficient features, ample natural light, and high-quality finishes. Notable elements include a high-efficiency HVAC system, corrugated steel siding, and expansive floor-to-ceiling glass windows, which enhance the learning environment with natural illumination.
This project demonstrates how modular construction can effectively and rapidly meet the needs of educational institutions while providing high-quality, sustainable solutions.
Case Study URL: https://www.triumphmodular.com/project/lexington-high-school-addition/
Parkhurst Elementary School Classroom Addition
Triumph Modular undertook a 13,074-square-foot expansion at Parkhurst Elementary School in Winchester, MA, to accommodate students temporarily relocated from Lynch Elementary School due to renovations. The modular construction, chosen for its speed and efficiency, allowed the school to be ready for the 2023-2024 school year. The expansion included 15 modular units placed in the former faculty parking lot, with each classroom designed to be spacious and equipped with modern tech amenities.
Despite challenges like an unusually rainy summer and site constraints, the project was completed on time and within budget. Triumph Modular’s innovative approach included a redesign of the proposed aluminum ramp, replacing it with an asphalt walkway that led to a larger parking lot. This new design ensured ADA compliance and created a safer, more functional space for students and staff.
This project highlights Triumph Modular’s ability to adapt to challenging conditions while delivering high-quality educational spaces.
Case study URL; https://www.triumphmodular.com/project/parkhurst-elementary-school/
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Frequently Asked Questions About permanent and temporary modular classrooms
How do the cost differences between temporary and permanent modular classrooms compare, and what factors influence these costs?
Temporary Modular Classrooms: These are typically leased, with costs ranging from $275 to $350 per square foot. This cost includes the lease, site work, installation, and eventual removal. The main advantage here is the flexibility; you only pay for the time you need the building.
Permanent Modular Classrooms: These are purchased, with costs ranging from $475 to $550 per square foot. This price includes the building itself, site work, and installation. Permanent classrooms may be more cost-effective if the building is needed for 4-5 years or more, as leasing over a longer period can become more expensive than purchasing .
What are the customization options available for temporary modular classrooms compared to permanent ones, and how do these limitations affect the final design?
Temporary Modular Classrooms: Customization is limited by the fact that these units are often pre-built and designed for quick deployment. You can configure the space by combining multiple modules, but there are constraints, particularly in design aspects such as size and finishes .
Permanent Modular Classrooms: These offer greater customization potential, allowing for specific design choices tailored to the school’s long-term needs. This could include specialized rooms, larger windows, or more complex HVAC systems, which may not be possible with temporary options .
How does the longevity and durability of temporary modular classrooms compare to permanent modular classrooms, and what maintenance is required for each?
Temporary Modular Classrooms: These are designed for shorter-term use but are built to high standards, so they can last several years if needed. However, they are not intended as a permanent solution.
Permanent Modular Classrooms: Built to the same standards as traditional buildings, these classrooms can last 30-50 years if properly maintained, making them a durable, long-term option.
What level of flexibility and scalability do temporary modular classrooms offer compared to permanent ones, particularly as the school needs to evolve?
Temporary Modular Classrooms: Highly flexible, these units can be easily added, removed, or relocated as school needs change. This makes them ideal for temporary needs, such as during renovations or temporary increases in enrollment.
Permanent Modular Classrooms: While they are more of a long-term commitment, permanent modular buildings can also be expanded if future needs dictate, although this may involve more complex planning and costs compared to temporary units.
What environmental benefits do modular classrooms provide, and how do temporary and permanent options compare in terms of their impact on sustainability?
Both temporary and permanent modular classrooms contribute to greener construction by reducing material waste, as they are built in controlled environments where excess materials can be recycled or reused. Additionally, modular construction generally results in lower on-site emissions and reduced disruption to the natural environment around the school.
