Portable classrooms are a common go-to when student enrolment at schools surges. However, some jurisdictions are tapping modular, prefab construction as a permanent way to address overcapacity challenges.Sooke School District superintendent Paul Block stands in the partially built prefabricated school addition at David Cameron Elementary in Colwood, B.C.
"So far, all indications are that these prefabs will be the same quality as our regular schools and in fact will be a little bit more up-to-date as well, with modern technology like heat pumps," said Block. The interior of a prefabricated school addition at Dr. Charles Best Secondary in Coquitlam, B.C. With improvements in air quality, ventilation, sound insulation, light and more, high-quality prefabricated construction looks 'really no different when you're inside,' says Mohamed Al-Hussein.
"I don't see... any project that cannot have any or some components prefabricated," Al-Hussein said. "Raise your bar for quality and performance. Industry will react and there is lots of talent out there. The key is to be clear and transparent.", this off-site construction option is piquing interest elsewhere in Europe, as well as in Asian countries like Japan, China and Singapore, for residences, medical facilities and skyscrapers alike.