The Constellation Trust

Client

The Constellation Trust

Project Background

Following a successful bid to the Department for Education (DfE) to introduce two-year-old provision on site, The Constellation Trust reviewed its existing accommodation to ensure it met modern educational and safeguarding standards.

A mobile classroom building on site, estimated to be between 25 and 30 years old, had significantly exceeded its intended lifespan. Persistent issues with the structure, internal layout, heating, electrics and toilet facilities prompted the Trust to assess whether refurbishment was viable or whether a full replacement would deliver better long-term value.

After a detailed technical and operational review, the Trust compared refurbishing the existing building with installing a new modular replacement.

Challenges with the Existing Building

The condition and limitations of the existing mobile classroom presented several challenges:

Structural deterioration due to age

An outdated and inflexible internal layout

Inefficient and ageing heating and electrical systems

Toilet facilities requiring complete renewal

Poor insulation leading to high running costs

Increasing maintenance demands and risk of downtime

While refurbishment was technically possible, it would have required significant intervention while still leaving the Trust reliant on an ageing structure.

Options Considered

Refurbishment

Refurbishment would have involved addressing structural issues, upgrading services, improving insulation, reworking internal layouts and partially renewing toilet facilities. However, even with these improvements, the building would remain constrained by its original structure and design, limiting its long-term lifespan and flexibility.

There was also an increased risk of unforeseen issues arising once work commenced, due to the building's age and condition.

Full Modular Replacement

A full modular replacement offered a purpose-designed, modern building with a fully optimised layout, new heating and electrical systems, compliant toilet facilities and significantly improved energy performance.

The modular approach also allowed for rapid installation with minimal disruption to the school environment.

Decision and Outcome

After evaluating both options, The Constellation Trust selected full replacement as the preferred solution. This approach provided:

A completely new building with a long service life

A modern, compliant layout designed for early years provision

Fully new heating, electrical and toilet facilities

Improved energy efficiency and reduced running costs

Minimal disruption through off-site manufacture and rapid installation

The replacement building was also supplied with a 25-year warranty, providing additional reassurance and long-term security.

Supplier Selection

Phoenix Building Systems were appointed to deliver the project. The Trust’s decision was reinforced following a visit to Phoenix Building Systems’ factory, where they were able to see firsthand:

The quality of construction methods

The high standard of materials used

Robust quality control processes

The professionalism and experience of the project team

Final Result

The new modular building was successfully delivered and installed, providing a high-quality learning environment that fully meets modern educational standards.

The Trust expressed a high level of satisfaction with both the finished building and the overall project delivery, highlighting the quality of workmanship and the professional, efficient manner in which Phoenix Building Systems managed the project from start to finish.

With refurbishment and replacement offering similar short-term investment but vastly different long-term outcomes, full replacement proved to be the most practical and cost-effective solution.

By choosing a modern modular building, The Constellation Trust secured a future-proofed, compliant and energy-efficient facility that will support learners and staff for decades to come.