As one of the fastest-growing regions in Canada, the Lower Mainland is seeing a rapid increase in terms of population growth and structural development. While the need for additional space is being felt by a variety of sectors, educational facilities are feeling the limitations of their current spaces more than ever before. As student enrolment rates continue to climb at an unprecedented pace, more space is needed as soon as possible.
While many initiatives are underway to construct brand-new educational facilities and traditional additions, these spaces will take a significant amount of time to complete. And time is currently in short supply.
So how do we construct additional education spaces faster without cutting quality? The answer lies in modular construction. As a leading manufacturer of quality modular buildings, Fort Modular has had the privilege of creating award-winning spaces for schools across Western Canada. Throughout the course of our operations, we’ve seen firsthand how vital school additions are for every community and how modular buildings can meet the ever-growing demand for space. That’s why we were proud to be selected for the Richard Bulpitt Elementary expansion—a $9 million project to add approximately 150 new student spaces.
New Year, New Possibilities
The start of the 2024 school year marked the exciting grand opening of this new, two-storey modular expansion. Completed in record time, the six-classroom addition welcomed students just 11 months after the Langley School District approved the project.
During the official opening, BC Minister of Education Rachna Singh and representatives from the school district celebrated the expansion and announced plans for additional schools nearby. The project’s success stems from a strong partnership with the Langley School District, whose leadership and vision were instrumental throughout the process.
The modular addition to Richard Bulpitt Elementary isn’t just another construction project; it’s a prime example of the benefits of modular construction and a case study to encourage adoption for future school expansions.
With a fast-tracked timeline, the project was completed significantly ahead of schedule thanks to the increased efficiency and streamlined process offered by the modular construction method. The new modular classrooms even had windows, doors, flooring, cabinets, and cloakroom hooks installed prior to delivery, further cutting down on the amount of work that needed to be completed on-site.
Previously, Richard Bulpitt Elementary featured six portable classrooms. This addition was built entirely off-site using Fort Modular’s prefabrication expertise and designed to blend seamlessly with the existing school building, replacing all six portables.
It includes a skyway connecting the new structure to the main school’s second floor, washrooms on both levels, a small wheelchair elevator, and a versatile meeting space. This connected skyway means students in the original facility will be able to interact with students in the expansion without needing to worry about going outside in poor weather conditions.
Students and teachers alike are thrilled with the climate-controlled classrooms, which match the quality and comfort of traditional school buildings. “I think it’s perfect,” shared student Ethan Stanton, while fellow student Morgan Crocker added that she loves the skybridge connecting the two parts of the school.
Principal Sean Oliver further highlighted the students’ excitement, noting, “They got to watch it from start to finish. They saw it when it was just a hole in the ground, and now it’s here.”
Enhancing Learning Environments
While modular construction offers faster project delivery, consistency, and greater project certainty, the benefits don’t stop there. Other key advantages of the modular expansion for Richard Bulpitt Elementary are the enhanced quality control and the modern classroom design. Since every modular building is constructed in a climate-controlled environment, there’s significantly less moisture during manufacturing and a reduced chance of moisture-based damage.
Modular buildings are also built to meet or exceed the same building codes and standards as site-built structures. To this end, the same architect-specified materials used in conventionally constructed buildings are used in modular construction projects (wood, concrete, and steel).
In terms of modern design, the classrooms are crafted to promote engagement and create a dynamic educational experience by utilizing an abundance of natural light, improved air quality, enhanced thermal comfort, and enriched acoustics. Every detail is considered for the design and brought to life during the meticulous construction process. The result? A safe, functional, and comfortable space where students and teachers can thrive for years to come.
Building Better for Today and Tomorrow
Our work at Richard Bulpitt Elementary wasn’t just about meeting current demands; it was about setting a precedent for the future of educational infrastructure. When compared to traditional site-built structures, modular construction offers a sustainable and efficient path forward. With reduced waste production, a smaller carbon footprint, and enhanced energy efficiency, modular buildings are a future-proof method that will allow communities to swiftly add capacity to their educational facilities without compromising quality.
As we see students and staff continue to enjoy the new space, we’re proud to be leading the charge for this innovative construction solution. Modular expansions are both practical and aligned with the growing need for sustainable development, making them the ideal choice for current and future challenges. As we continue to expand our reach and capabilities, we look forward to supporting more educational institutions in their mission to provide excellent learning environments for an ever-growing student body.
We also wanted to take a moment to thank the Langley School District for their trust and collaboration. We look forward to creating more inspiring spaces together with them and other school districts across British Columbia.
For a closer look at the Richard Bulpitt Elementary expansion, watch our project video.
For more information on our modular classroom solutions, visit: https://fortmodular.com/industries/education/
