RAAC crisis and temporary school buildings
Schools nationwide face the unusual challenge of addressing the current RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) crisis. Many headteachers, governors and local councillors are raising concerns about the safety of buildings using RAAC and how this will impact the children’s learning following Covid and recent strike action.
What is the RAAC crisis?
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned that RAAC panels in buildings are beyond their intended lifespan and pose a significant risk to life. The biggest concern is that the panels may suddenly fail and collapse, which has been shown in recent structural beam failings in schools. Moisture can infiltrate RAAC structures, causing rusting and decay to the reinforcing materials, making it inherently weaker.
The impact of these problems is felt by buildings constructed between the 1950s and 1990s, and many schools are looking for alternatives for their main buildings to prevent further gaps in children’s learning. This is where temporary school buildings come in handy.
How can we help?
We have a wealth of experience delivering temporary structures and providing outstanding quality and customer service, as seen in our portfolio.
We are able to design and build a range of structures, allowing us to tailor them to your exact specifications and needs. Each school is different, so when it comes to having a temporary educational building, we offer a wide portfolio of features, such as thermal and acoustic insulation HVAC systems, bespoke flooring and lighting.
During Covid-19, we worked with the NHS in Leeds to design and build a semi-permanent vaccination centre. The project was delivered in a few weeks to ensure they could keep up with the high demand. We will bring this expertise to your temporary school building, helping to ensure that your students don’t lose valuable learning time.
Physical education is also an important part of the school syllabus. We can provide temporary sports facilities as well as temporary classrooms, complete with changing rooms and toilets. Edgbaston Priory Club approached us for the construction of a temporary gym, a project we successfully designed and executed. Our scope also included the installation of an upgraded sprung gym floor reinforced with snow-loading capabilities, along with insulated walls and ceilings.
At Star Live, we specialise in end-to-end project management, tailoring solutions to precisely match the unique requirements of each project. We will design, build, and deliver your structure and all other requirements for a rapidly deployed, ready-to-use temporary educational building.
It may be hard to see a way out of the RAAC crisis, but we are here to help you and provide a solution that works for you. By working with us, you will be able to provide your students with a safe place to learn, so get in touch with our team today and let's see how we can help you.