Gesher School – Modular Classroom Feasibility

RAM Building Consultancy was appointed by Gesher School to undertake a feasibility study (up to RIBA Stage 2) for the provision of a new modular building to accommodate additional classroom space.

The proposed development aimed to deliver two specialist classrooms designed for Key Stage 3 and 4 pupils with mild to moderate special educational needs (SEND), incorporating life skills and therapy support spaces alongside essential ancillary facilities.

The project presented a number of key challenges requiring careful planning and technical consideration:

• Minimising disruption to a live school environment during construction
• Maintaining existing foul drainage systems without compromise
• Identifying a compliant and practical location within a constrained site
• Ensuring continued emergency access via the secondary entrance
• Designing spaces suitable for non-ambulant pupils in line with SEND requirements

In addition, the surrounding context; including nearby residential properties and adjacent recreational land, required a sensitive and well-considered approach.

RAM Building Consultancy undertook a comprehensive site appraisal, including a detailed inspection carried out in December 2024. Close collaboration with the school’s leadership team ensured that operational priorities and long-term plans were fully understood.

Key Services Delivered

• Site inspection and data collection

• Feasibility study and reporting

• Options appraisal with viable building locations

• Budget cost estimates and risk analysis (time, cost, quality)

• CAD drawings and site layout plans

• Specification guidance and procurement advice

Design Considerations

The proposed modular building was designed to:

• Accommodate 20 pupils (10 per classroom)
• Provide life skills and therapy-focused environments
• Include toilets, storage, and support facilities
• Align with BB104 requirements (7.5m² per pupil)

The design also incorporated:

• Level access with platform lift
• High-performance insulated structure
• Mechanical and electrical systems including HVAC, fire safety, and ICT
• External works including drainage, hardstanding, and landscaping

Options Appraisal

Two primary locations were identified in collaboration with the client:

1. North-West Courtyard Location
   • Near secondary access point
   • Efficient in cost but with reduced pupil capacity
2. Western Elevation (Play Area)
   • Better spatial provision for full capacity
   • Higher cost but fully meets the project brief

Alternative areas of the site were excluded due to future development plans for sports facilities.

Risk Management & Technical Due Diligence

To ensure project certainty and mitigate risks, RAM recommended:

• Ground investigation surveys
• Topographical surveys
• CCTV drainage surveys
• Full utilities/services mapping

These early-stage investigations were critical in informing design development, cost planning, and programme certainty.

Programme Strategy

To minimise disruption, the project was planned to:

• Be delivered during school holiday periods
• Be constructed in a single phase, ideally over the summer
• Maintain safe access and operations throughout

RAM Building Consultancy recommended Option 2 as the preferred solution, as it:

• Fully meets the spatial and functional requirements
• Provides appropriate accommodation for all 20 pupils
• Supports the school’s SEND teaching and therapy objectives

However, Option 1 remains a viable lower-cost alternative, subject to the school’s priorities regarding budget versus capacity.

Added Value

Through early-stage strategic input, RAM Building Consultancy enabled the client to:

• Make informed decisions based on cost, risk, and functionality
• Align the project with long-term development plans
• Reduce uncertainty through robust technical investigations
• Ensure compliance with statutory and SEND-specific design standards

Conclusion

This project demonstrates RAM Building Consultancy’s ability to deliver practical, sensitive, and technically robust feasibility solutions within complex live environments. By combining strategic insight with detailed technical analysis, RAM supported Gesher School in planning a facility that enhances both educational delivery and student wellbeing. RAM has been appointed as Contract Administrator and Principal Designer for the ongoing development of the modular classroom, so will continue to support this project through to completion.