Ben Gamla Charter School

Additional Info

Award Winner : M Space Holdings LLC

Architectural Excellence : Ben Gamla Charter School was in need of additional classroom space due to an increase in enrollment. They originally planned to renovate two houses on their property. After analyzing costs, they determined it was more economical to construct a modular building. The school decided to demolish the existing houses and replace them with a new, efficient and environmentally friendly modular building. The 4880 square foot building was designed to maximize the available space and doubled the number of classrooms. The new building was connected to an existing school structure, allowing a smooth flow and a secure environment between the buildings. Since the modular buildings were set at grade level, all entries are accessible without decks, steps or ramps.

Cost Energy Effectiveness : Cost efficiencies were first maximized by the decision to utilize modular construction. The school ran a cost comparison and a modular solution was much more economical than the renovation of the two existing houses. The modular project from the design phase to occupancy was completed in 33 days and the building was delivered, set and seamed in just one week. The modular buildings doubled Ben Gamla’s classroom space, which supported the increased enrollment, thus creating a greater revenue stream. Costs were also reduced by the creation of entry areas at ground level. This feature removed the expense of decks and ramps, traditionally used in modular construction.

Design Firm Name : n/a

Occupied Date : 8/11/2008

Production Start Date : 7/8/2008

Project Location City : Hollywood

Project Location State Name : FL

Technical Innovation : While work was being done on the foundation, a humidistat fan ventilator system was installed to alleviate any problems that Florida humidity could create. This system provides an on-going air flow that keeps the building moisture free.

Total Square Feet : 4880