12th Feb 2007 – New Nursery Completed Using Recycled Building Modules

A new, purpose-designed nursery building has been completed at the University of East London, using one of the most sustainable and environmentally efficient methods of construction.

Built by Foremans Relocatable Building Systems and designed by architects Arts Lettres Techniques, the Children’s Garden Early Years Centre was constructed from recycled and refurbished building modules.

The use of pre-owned modular buildings, which are fully compliant with Building Regulations, generates less than 10 per cent of the carbon emissions and uses less than 3 per cent of the energy during construction compared to a newly manufactured building of equivalent size.

The nursery facility for the University of East London’s Docklands Campus, demonstrates the potential and flexibility of this innovative approach to sustainable construction. The centre was designed to create a calm and welcoming environment for children aged between three and six. It is located in a landscaped educational garden and is clad in untreated Scottish larch, which helps to integrate the building into the streetscape.

Windows overlooking the garden provide a high level of natural light and the interior is designed to be free from reception desks, corridors and signage to simplify the children’s experience. The architect’s specification required angled walls for the playrooms, bespoke geometric furniture and colour-washed surfaces for the different areas of activity.

The building is naturally cross-ventilated and additional insulation has been used to further improve acoustic performance and thermal efficiency.

"We found the pre-owned modular approach to be a highly sustainable alternative to new build, delivering a high quality building within the client’s budget constraints", said Luisa Auletta, Director of architects Arts Lettres Techniques.

"As a practice, we believe sustainability is a key issue which is increasing in importance. This method of construction is a very positive way of reducing the building’s carbon footprint. The nursery is detailed to feel robust, substantial and is aesthetically pleasing. It is also very difficult to tell this is a modular building – all in all a very successful project."

Peter Thompson, Assistant Head of Capital Projects at the University of East London, said, "The Foremans team was highly professional throughout, knowledgeable and easy to work with. They have a good supply chain in place and an excellent spirit of co-operation. The nursery is one of three construction projects that Foremans has now completed for our University."

"The centre met Ofsted requirements without any adaptation to the design, and provides an attractive new facility, which has been well received by staff, children and parents alike. The finished building is a credit to the design and construction team."

In addition to its environmental benefits, the Foremans approach to recycling and refurbishing modular buildings can help reduce programme times by up to 70 per cent compared to new build, improves site safety and minimises disruption. All refurbished Portakabin buildings supplied by Foremans comply with current Building Regulations, and have the reassurance of a groundbreaking warranty package – a modular industry first.


Editor’s Notes

1. Foremans provides a nationwide service from its 63,000sqm production centre in East Yorkshire, and its new southern regional office in Dunstable. It offers a full range of construction services, including planning, finance, design and space planning, project management, groundworks, fitting out, delivery and site installation, testing and commissioning.
   
2. Foremans has the UK’s largest selection of refurbished Portakabin buildings available from stock, for applications such as classrooms, ward accommodation and hospital facilities, laboratories, offices and airport buildings.
   
3. The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community, with 20,000 students from over 120 countries worldwide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of our diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track record in widening participation and working with industry. www.uel.ac.uk
   
4. Architects – arts lettres techniques. Tel: 020 7383 4778. Email: alan.chandler@member.riba.org.

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