Flexible schools using modular timber construction

Classroom of the school module building in Dresden

Highly innovative construction of school buildings: the modular timber school buildings developed by Blumer Lehmann specifically for educational facilities consist of two base models and combine rapid planning with optimal flexibility. Times and costs for planning and production are optimised. Schools built with modular timber construction can be designed both as temporary structures (to provide space when the number of school children increases rapidly) and as long-term replacement buildings. The base models ‘small’ and ‘large’ can be adapted to suit the specifics of each site and each set of requirements. What’s more, modular timber construction also fulfils all statutory norms as well as energy and structural requirements.

The idea:
Standardised, serially produced timber modules deliver flexible, high-quality teaching spaces for educational facilities within a short timeframe.

Implementation:
Two modular timber base models can be configured to suit each facility’s needs. Functional fixed spaces provide the foundation for planning, whether for a primary school, pre-school, nursery or secondary school.

The biggest benefit:
Children, young people and teaching staff all benefit from the healthy learning environment offered by timber modules. Clients enjoy the benefits of cost certainty, quality assurance and adherence to schedules. They can count on the verified quality of our standardised timber modules. Blumer Lehmann is a specialist with the right experience to take on the full planning, production and assembly process for these buildings.

The benefits for clients

Efficient and reliable planning and implementation
Base models can be adapted individually and flexibly to requirements and sites
Short planning times, rapid production and very short installation times on the construction site
Lower planning and construction costs
Reliable scheduling
No disruption to school operations – extension and conversion during the summer holidays
Long-term space planning and financing for schools
Various financing models
Sustainable construction with re-usable modules and natural construction materials
Individual design of floor plans, interior design and facades
Planning using Building Information Modelling (BIM)

General view of the Schilfweg school, Dresden, in modular timber construction

The three-storey new building of the Schilfweg school in Dresden was constructed using the timber module hybrid construction method.

Advice from a timber module construction professional?

Please contact us!

info@blumer-lehmann.com
T +41 71 388 58 58

Timber modules, base model in small and large

Two fully optimised base models for timber modules come in small and large versions and offer everything a modern school or childcare facility needs. A range of options covers any other specific requirements. Different sizes are planned around two layout concepts, delivering timber-structure schools in the right combinations and configurations to suit every requirement. This results in unique and bespoke modular educational structures for 70 to 360 students that are tailored to each school’s needs. The timber modules can be used for structures of up to three storeys and can include as many primary spaces and infrastructure areas as necessary. The base models can be designed and utilised cleverly thanks to the versatile nature of the modules.

Cross section of timber module, base model in small and large

Functional layouts as a result of modular timber construction

The floor plan of the small base model features highly accessible classrooms made by integrating three timber modules. The staff room is situated between them to ensure short distances to all classroom modules. A group/intervention space is made up of two modules and can be accessed from two sides. Separate wet rooms are adapted to suit the dimensions of the teaching facility.

The floor plan of the large base model features several primary spaces and infrastructure areas. The modular timber buildings can be up to three storeys high, each one accessed by inside or outside stairways or arcades. Spaces can be arranged as needed, giving plenty of architectural freedom in designing the timber structures.

The floor plan of the small base model features highly accessible classrooms made by integrating three timber modules. The staff room is situated between them to ensure short distances to all classroom modules. A group/intervention space is made up of two modules and can be accessed from two sides. Separate wet rooms are adapted to suit the dimensions of the teaching facility.
The floor plan of the large base model features several primary spaces and infrastructure areas. The modular timber buildings can be up to three storeys high, each one accessed by inside or outside stairways or arcades. Spaces can be arranged as needed, giving plenty of architectural freedom in designing the timber structures.

Primary spaces in the modular timber school structure

Primary spaces are fixed room units that define the basic grid. The ingenious combination and arrangement of classrooms, group and intervention rooms results in a huge range of layout design options. With good planning, the modular design of the structure supports a wide variety of teaching styles.

Classroom:

At least three modular building units are combined to create a classroom providing space for 20 to 24 children or young people.

Group/separation room:

Accessible from two sides and comprising two modular building units, a separation room allows concentrated work in groups independently of classes

Primary spaces with classrooms, group/intervention rooms as fixed room units in the layout

School infrastructure areas in timber

Teachers’ room: Fitted out with a small kitchenette, the teachers’ room allows teaching staff to hold undisturbed conversations and prepare lessons.

Wet rooms: The size of the wet rooms is based upon the dimensions of the overall modular educational construction and is compliant with local directives.

Technical room: Electrical, heating and air-conditioning installations are housed in the technical room.

Stairwell: Internal access within the modular educational construction is provided via a stairwell as standard. External arcades in timber or steel, lifts or external access via external staircases can also be provided as an option.

Staff room, stairwell, wet rooms and plant rooms form the infrastructure areas

School building with freedom of design in the interior

Wide, bright corridors channel the flow of students. Depending on requirements, other options for the interior also include return walls, desk ledges, glass screens and wall-mounted drinking fountains.

The sophisticated building technology concept delivers safe and reliable sanitary facilities.

Holz im Innenausbau einer Schule schafft eine natürliche und einladende Lernumgebung.

Friendly colours motivate the children during the school day. Functionality is often the core consideration when building a school or childcare facility. Yet the forms, colours and materials chosen are crucially important in designing school buildings that are as stimulating as possible.

Light-filled classrooms promote learning in the timber modules. A range of acoustic ceiling systems are available for designing the interior spaces. There are also many different materials to choose from for the interior. The walls are built using a material combination of OSB wood panels and rendered gypsum fibreboard as standard.

Staff rooms are fitted out in a highly practical way to permit undisturbed conversation. The furnishings in primary spaces and infrastructure areas are put together on a custom basis, with coat racks, storage systems, desks and chairs, as well as school resources like boards and other equipment. Extra furnishings can also be added as required.

Viel sichtbares Holz im Innenausbau sorgt für ein angenehmes Raumklima.

Ein helldurchflutetes Klassenzimmer mit grossen Fenstern schafft eine inspirierende Lernumgebung, in der natürliches Licht den Raum erhellt.

Eine Turnhalle aus Holz bietet eine natürliche und ästhetisch ansprechende Umgebung für körperliche Aktivitäten und Sport.

Holz ist eine wunderbare Ergänzung im Innenausbau, da es natürliche Schönheit, Wärme und eine zeitlose Ästhetik in jeden Raum bringt.

Wide, bright corridors channel the flow of students. Depending on requirements, other options for the interior also include return walls, desk ledges, glass screens and wall-mounted drinking fountains.
The sophisticated building technology concept delivers safe and reliable sanitary facilities.
Holz im Innenausbau einer Schule schafft eine natürliche und einladende Lernumgebung.
Friendly colours motivate the children during the school day. Functionality is often the core consideration when building a school or childcare facility. Yet the forms, colours and materials chosen are crucially important in designing school buildings that are as stimulating as possible.
Light-filled classrooms promote learning in the timber modules. A range of acoustic ceiling systems are available for designing the interior spaces. There are also many different materials to choose from for the interior. The walls are built using a material combination of OSB wood panels and rendered gypsum fibreboard as standard.
Staff rooms are fitted out in a highly practical way to permit undisturbed conversation. The furnishings in primary spaces and infrastructure areas are put together on a custom basis, with coat racks, storage systems, desks and chairs, as well as school resources like boards and other equipment. Extra furnishings can also be added as required.
Viel sichtbares Holz im Innenausbau sorgt für ein angenehmes Raumklima.
Ein helldurchflutetes Klassenzimmer mit grossen Fenstern schafft eine inspirierende Lernumgebung, in der natürliches Licht den Raum erhellt.
Eine Turnhalle aus Holz bietet eine natürliche und ästhetisch ansprechende Umgebung für körperliche Aktivitäten und Sport.
Holz ist eine wunderbare Ergänzung im Innenausbau, da es natürliche Schönheit, Wärme und eine zeitlose Ästhetik in jeden Raum bringt.

Virtual glimpse into a school made of timber

Timber school module

The 3D visualisation of a modular school shows the interior finishing and use of materials in a furnished classroom. The interactive tour provides a realistic experience of the space. Get a virtual glimpse.

Go to the 360-degree panorama of a modular school

3D visualisation affords a virtual glimpse into a school made of timber

Building technology in a modular school construction

A sophisticated building technology concept, adapted to a modular timber design, delivers safe and sustainable sanitary, heating, air-conditioning and electrical installations. The basic technical concept for modular timber school structures involves heat generation using an air source heat pump. Radiators allow for controlled heat distribution in the primary spaces and are either surface-mounted as standard or can be integrated into the window breast on request. Sanitary and electrical installations are fitted unconcealed as standard. Installing them in this low-tech way provides ease of access and allows them to be adapted to suit individual requirements. Vulnerabilities are minimised and building technology systems require less maintenance.

Primary spaces in a modular timber school with sophisticated building technology concept

Modern school building equipped with all the right technology

A central air outlet space in the infrastructure area, together with fresh air, ensure the rooms in modular timber constructions are efficiently ventilated. The doors and windows are also fitted with air vents. Where requested, the rooms can be equipped with a compact ventilation unit that is controlled by the CO₂ content of the air indoors. It also means that rooms can be cooled, allowing room temperatures to be controlled with accuracy. Another option is for the entire building to be equipped with a controlled ventilation system, or it can be fitted with a photovoltaic system for sustainable power generation. Such a sophisticated building technology concept means that sanitary, heating, air conditioning and electrical installations require little maintenance, are efficient and take up very little space in the school.

School facade in timber

In the spotlight

Prefabricated facade elements offer protection and give modular timber schools their special character. Various cladding options are available for the facade design of the modular educational construction. Clients and architects can choose between a pure timber facade, PV surfaces or a combination of other materials. With individual facades and different surfaces, school buildings, children’s daycare centres or kindergartens can blend seamlessly into existing building complexes and offer inviting designs.

Facade elements offer protection and give character to modular timber schools

Facade design concept

With various options for arranging and dividing the facade elements and individual selection of materials, the character of the buildings can be adapted to the location.

Facade elements arranged differently and with a customisable choice of materials

Facade shading

Modern solar shading solutions complement the facade concept, casting shadows in a variety of ways and protecting the building against the wind and weather:

Awnings
Composite louvres
Folding sliding shutters
Sliding shutters
Continuous arcades

Modern sun protection solutions complete the facade design

Facades with a range of cladding options

Facade with structured wood surface – planed natural spruce/fir, boards in a horizontal or vertical arrangement

Photovoltaic panels as facade, possible in various colour coatings

Facade with rhomboid cladding, possible in various colour coatings

Facade with vertical cladding and CNC-milled ornamentation, pressure treated, with glazed finish

Metal cassette facade available in various materials

Facade with vertical cladding in natural spruce/fir, surface with bandsaw cut

Facade with vertical grooved cladding, surface with bandsaw cut and pre-greying coating

Facade with panel cladding in a range of materials, structures and colours

Facade with vertical cladding with curtain-wall design element, pressure treated, with glazed finish

Facade with structured wood surface – planed natural spruce/fir, boards in a horizontal or vertical arrangement
Photovoltaic panels as facade, possible in various colour coatings
Facade with rhomboid cladding, possible in various colour coatings
Facade with vertical cladding and CNC-milled ornamentation, pressure treated, with glazed finish
Metal cassette facade available in various materials
Facade with vertical cladding in natural spruce/fir, surface with bandsaw cut
Facade with vertical grooved cladding, surface with bandsaw cut and pre-greying coating
Facade with panel cladding in a range of materials, structures and colours
Facade with vertical cladding with curtain-wall design element, pressure treated, with glazed finish

High-precision modular school structure

The production line at the Blumer Lehmann factory makes more than 500 modular units a year under optimum conditions. A modular construction method with a high level of prefabrication significantly cuts down on build times, construction costs and time spent on the construction site, and guarantees the utmost in build quality.

Modular timber construction on the production line at the Blumer Lehmann factory

BIM – digital modular timber construction

Prefabricating standardised modules as well as digital planning and construction processes are the ideal parameters for using BIM to plan and implement every aspect of a project, regardless of scale. All companies involved in a project come together in the early stages to work on the same 3D model in an integrated and structured way, and all at the same time. Communicating with each other openly and on a regular basis is an important part of this. This renders all decisions, alterations and enquiries transparent and accountable. Investors, clients and architects can count on a high level of process certainty and construction quality and can gain an insight into the project at any time. Costs and schedules can be planned with precision.

Digital planning and construction processes create the best conditions for building with timber modules

Modular construction brochure

Educational space for the future

The brochure gives an overview of the schools of tomorrow; how both temporary and permanent modular school structures can be built in a modular timber design.

References

New school building in modular timber construction

Find out more

School building in Schorndorf in modular timber construction

School extension using timber modules

Find out more

Cloakroom in the Modular W school building in Winterthur<br/><br/>

MODULAR W school building structures

Find out more

The existing ZM10 modular Friesenberg primary school is extended by adding another floor. A timber module is placed on the roof by crane.

Friesenberg school ZM10 timber module extra storey

Find out more

Aussenansicht des gesamten Schulhauses Grenzhof in Luzern, bei Tag

Temporary timber building for Grenzhof school

Find out more

Flexible schools using modular timber construction

The benefits for clients

Do you have a concrete school construction project?

Advice from a timber module construction professional?

Timber modules, base model in small and large

Functional layouts as a result of modular timber construction

Primary spaces in the modular timber school structure

School infrastructure areas in timber

School building with freedom of design in the interior

Virtual glimpse into a school made of timber

Building technology in a modular school construction

Modern school building equipped with all the right technology

School facade in timber

Facade design concept

Facade shading

Facades with a range of cladding options

High-precision modular school structure

BIM – digital modular timber construction

Modular construction brochure

References

This website uses cookies