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How Algeco UK delivered the right modular formula for Saint Benedict’s state-of- the-art science block


Legacy school buildings can be found in some shape or form at school estates across the UK. And while many of these buildings have stood tall for decades and still continue to provide valuable learning spaces for children of all ages, pockets of refurbishment are increasingly emerging from school-to-school.


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riven by a need to cater for larger classroom sizes and create futureproofed sites, school estates are rapidly evolving, with a greater emphasis on combining buildings and creating fit for purpose environments that work for students and staff from every possible angle – now, and for many years to come.


Historically, creating new teaching blocks from scratch resulted in considerable on-site disruption and timescale-related pressures, but thanks to modular construction, schools are turning their visions into reality with significantly less upheaval and within the required timescales.


This includes Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby. Established in 1986, the school caters for 1,500 pupils and is run by the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust. When the Trust and Derby City Council decided the school’s facilities needed an upgrade to cater for the surge in the number of pupils going into Year 7 in recent years, they turned to leading modular solutions provider, Algeco UK, to provide them with a state-of-the- art solution.


Bespoke science block


Algeco UK was tasked with not just updating, but consolidating the school’s ageing science department into one high tech location. Prior to the project, pupils had their science lessons in several different classrooms that were dotted all around the school site.


The project, which was procured through the 26 Autumn 2025 issue 4181


NHS-SBS framework, was an opportunity to really showcase the school’s science offering by bringing it all under one roof within a highly bespoke environment.


Low carbon build


Algeco UK worked closely with Watson Batty Architects and Capita Entrust to create M Block, a building that not just provided the dedicated science space that was required, but prioritised the school’s environmental and sustainability considerations from start to finish.


As a low carbon build, M Block is designed to deliver significant reductions in both operational and embodied carbon. Thanks to the tailored design and materials selection, as well as Algeco UK’s low carbon manufacturing practice, additional sustainability and low carbon benefits are being generated through the use of solar PV, recycled materials and extensive insulation.


All of the design and manufacturing processes that were implemented were focused on minimising waste and reducing energy consumption, reinforcing Algeco UK’s commitment to protecting the environment and working towards its net zero goals. Design for Manufacture & Assembly (DfMA) techniques were also used throughout, which included using Bills of Materials to cut components to size and sub-assemble products, such as pre- manufactured distribution boards and internal staircases.


What’s more, the social sustainability aspect of the project meant that the end result ultimately


provided a safe space for staff and students, responding to the school’s social needs efficiently and effectively. In turn, this further reinforced Algeco UK’s net zero road map, ESG and sustainability strategy and Loops within Loops business model, which align with the UK Government’s Social Value Model.


Collaborative working


The overall success of the project was underpinned by the strong working relationships that were formed; not just between the Academy and Algeco UK, but with the sub-contractors who helped at every stage of the project as it took shape. Any defects that were encountered along the way were swiftly handled by the appropriate contractor, resulting in overall positive feedback.


“From the outset, the project was a model of collaborative engagement. Algeco UK’s consultant designers held a series of client engagement meetings with Entrust and the Academy, ensuring the design met both


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