Article
Helping Schools Move To Zero S
chool Building Magazine speaks with Orla about the growing role of modular construction in education, the company’s journey, and why modern methods of construction (MMC) are particularly well-suited to educational sites across the UK and Ireland.
Q: Orla, modular construction is gaining traction in education. Why do you think schools should consider it?
A: Schools are under increasing pressure to expand quickly, sustainably, and cost- effectively. As the curriculum evolves, schools also need their spaces to be flexible, and modular buildings deliver this through their adaptable designs. Modular construction offers a fast and sustainable solution that’s helping to future-proof buildings for the years ahead.
Quite rightly, another major concern for educational campuses during construction projects is disruption to the school community, and this is where modular construction has the edge. As most of the building is manufactured at our factory, this reduces time onsite, and in turn, minimises disruption for our clients with shorter install periods required. Other major benefits of PMV (pre-manufacture value) include a reduction in waste and more control in the initial manufacturing phase.
At Mac Zero, we’ve seen first-hand how modern methods of construction can transform educational spaces, delivering high-quality, energy-efficient buildings with minimal disruption to the school community. Whether it’s a standalone classroom block or a full-scale expansion, modular builds allow schools to meet growing demand while staying committed to sustainability.
Q: What sets Mac Zero apart in the modular construction space?
A: We’re proud to be recognised for our expertise in designing and delivering modular educational buildings. When setting up Mac Zero along with my brother and Co-Director Conor McAvoy, our vision was always to deliver buildings that are not only functional but also low-carbon and low/net zero buildings in operation.
In just the last few years, we’ve completed over 50 projects for schools and commercial clients across the UK and Ireland. Our name, Mac Zero, reflects our values: zero accidents, zero defects, zero delays, zero carbon footprint, and zero waste.
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Q: Can you share some examples of Mac Zero’s work in schools?
A: We’ve delivered modular buildings for schools such as Coláiste Cholmcille in Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal; St Declan’s Community College in Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford; Roscommon Community College, Ardnanagh, Roscommon and Ysgol Bro Lleu Primary School in Penygroes, Wales. Each project was tailored to the school’s needs, with features like airtight construction, efficient heating and ventilation systems, specialist classrooms and sensory gardens and play areas constructed. One standout example is our work at Ériu Community College in Blanchardstown, Dublin where, in just 11 weeks, we delivered a two-storey 1600sqm modular classroom block that included ten classrooms, a home economics room and SEN facilities.
Q: How does Mac Zero support schools during the build process?
A: We’ve worked hard to ensure our systems and processes are robust, and we’re incredibly proud to have achieved BIM 19650-2 certification, which reflects our commitment to digital construction excellence.
Our project managers pride themselves on excellent communication, ensuring that the entire build team, including the client, is kept informed at all stages of the build journey.
We work closely with school leaders to ensure timelines are clear and disruption is minimised. Our offsite manufacturing approach means most of the work is done before arriving on-site, reducing noise, mess, and interference with daily school life.
Director and Co-Founder of Mac Zero Modular Buildings, Orla Corr-McAvoy, has over 30 years’ experience in educational estates, specifically in the provision of modular buildings.
We also provide a dedicated Project Manager for each school build, ensuring that every stage—from design to handover—is handled with care and precision. Schools appreciate the transparency and responsiveness of our team, especially when working to tight academic schedules.
Delivering for the community that we operate in is incredibly important to our business. Our social value programme has been developed to ensure we deliver economic, social and environmental improvements for the communities where our projects are constructed. Beyond our core construction programmes, we try to make a difference, helping communities to #movetozero.
Q: Finally, what message would you give to school leaders considering modular construction?
A: Modular construction is no longer a niche solution—it’s an innovative approach to construction that delivers high-quality, energy efficient, sustainable spaces. Whether you need extra classrooms, specialist facilities, or a full expansion, Mac Zero can deliver quickly and efficiently. We’re here to help schools ‘move to zero’—zero carbon, zero waste, and zero compromise on quality.
To view Mac Zero’s work and educational case studies, see
www.maczero.com For further information, please contact:
info@maczero.com or call 028 8774 1374
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