Schools are facing plenty of challenges, from capacity crises to mitigating climate change. Add to this the vital duty to protect and nurture student mental health and wellbeing, and it’s clear that staff will need support as the new term begins.
As the link between the physical spaces we inhabit and our mental health becomes more understood, what role can buildings play in creating greener, healthier environments? Step into our office…
Creating great spaces to learn
The environments we live and work in affect our mental health – and this is just as true in schools as it is in offices. Currently, only 31% of school buildings are classified as modern – or built post-2000 – meaning lots of schools are having to make do with smaller, cramped classrooms for growing numbers of pupils.
These conditions mean that students might not be able to access the calm and supportive environments that are so crucial to their education and mental health. Not only this, but older buildings often mean that staff are teaching in unsuitable environments, which could lead to high levels of stress or even anxiety throughout their working day.
Following the summer holidays, where students and teachers alike were able to relax and recuperate, returning to unsuitable buildings could not only bring increased levels of stress to those already familiar with the school, but place extra pressure on pupils beginning their new school journey.
As schools weigh up how to solve this critical issue and protect the mental wellbeing of their staff and student populations, we’re here to tell you that modular might just be the answer. Why? Put simply, modular buildings are:
Spaciously designed – with high ceilings and lots of light.
Quick to install – meaning more space for students in time for term start.
Easily reconfigurable – meaning they can grow and change with your pupils’ needs.
But what does this look like in practice?
Our pioneering attitude to design means that we innovate with every building. For example, the new teaching facility at Broadfields Primary School was installed with a mono pitch roof that slopes sculpturally downwards from one side to the other. With the highest ridge sitting at 4.1m to maximise natural daylight, this architectural element creates a feeling of space and calm to aid student learning.
Classrooms that inspire confidence
Modular buildings can be designed to provide the perfect balance of open classroom space and quiet areas for concentration. We regularly use specialist materials to dampen external noise, as well as leading technology, such as controlled ventilation, to create healthy internal environments for staff and pupils.
This is especially important when it comes to the health and wellbeing of SEND students. Modular spaces mean clever innovations, such as curved walls to increase visibility around corners and dedicated sensory rooms with blackout materials that create a safe environment.
These adaptations mean that students feel supported and let them focus on what really matters: getting a great education.
Time for a change? We’ve got your back.
At NZB we’re proud to offer a collaborative design process – including virtual ‘walk-throughs’ that show what the final building will look like before the first panel is cut.
With innovative funding options, including long-term rental to reduce upfront costs and take advantage of OpEx budgets, your school could quickly find itself with larger, healthier spaces for your students to thrive in.
If you want to find out more about how modular buildings can promote healthy school environments, speak with our expert team today.
