Schools and school districts often need to add classroom space quickly to accommodate their student body. This might be because of population growth, short-term population shifts as was the case during Covid, or because of buildings being off-lined due to age or renovation work.

To address this, schools deploy temporary modular classrooms. Though they add space, they are substandard learning environments. Issues with acoustics, climate control, and comfort—along with a lack of access to technology and restrooms—can negatively impact learning and education.

We developed ‘MT Modular Classroom,’ a deployable classroom system that uses mass timber. The classrooms are designed from the inside out with a primary focus on the quality of the learning environment for staff and students, creating a desirable environment in which occupants feel valued and motivated to learn. Natural light, good acoustics and thermal comfort encourage learning whilst providing a space that is durable and easy to maintain.

The design also minimizes embodied and operational carbon to reduce environmental impact. The mass timber modules are fabricated off-site and can be erected in just a few days using local labor. They are cost competitive with, and create significantly less Embodied Carbon during construction and installation than, traditional modular classrooms.

The system provides three options for the form of the units: flat roof; shed roof; gable roof. These provide a range of functional and visual solutions that can fit into any environment and be viewed positively.

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