CPAC Modular, one of Ireland’s leading modular main contractor, welcomed the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) to Ireland’s first permanent modular school at Lucan in Dublin. This state-of-the-art permanent structure hails a new era for modular construction in Ireland, offering permanent, sustainable and innovative facilities for the educational sector. The school will be officially handed over next month when over 500 primary school children together with their teachers and staff will start the last term of the school year at the new facility.
Ireland’s first permanent modular school at Lucan spans 3,600 square metres over 2 floors and comprises of 24 classrooms, as well as a library, multi-use group recreational space and a special education needs wing. The first of its kind in Ireland, the project was completed within 18 months from start to finish, which features cutting-edge amenities, making it a beacon of modern educational infrastructure.
The finished school comprises of 152 modules, which were manufactured at CPAC Modular’s production facility in Co. Meath and then landed on-site in sections over six weeks. The lift featured in the main school reception is made from a pre-cast mould and was one of the last sections to be installed. There was a clearance of just 15mm for the lift to be installed, which demonstrates the accuracy and efficiency of modern modular construction.
Sustainability is another feature of Ireland’s first permanent modular school with less time needed on-site, resulting in less fuel for transportation to and from site, combined with a focus on more sustainable materials including light gauge steel. Approximately 85% of the construction for Ireland’s first permanent modular school at Kishoge was constructed off-site at CPAC Modular’s facility in Dunshaughlin, Co Meath.
Caroline Gumble, CIOB’s CEO, said: “It is great to see a construction company making strides in innovation, offering a real example of how a more sustainable approach can be delivered with modular buildings. CPAC Modular do seem to be leading the way with projects such as this primary school, which I hope will stand as an asset for the local community for years to come. I want to thank Mark and his team for hosting our visit and for sharing the knowledge they gained on this project, with some incredibly useful conversations about sustainable construction materials and improvements in efficiency and delivery times.”
Mark Whitehead, Construction Director of CPAC Modular, was delighted to welcome the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) to Kishoge, where they had the opportunity to experience firsthand the innovation and efficiency behind Ireland’s first permanent modular school. “CPAC is on a mission to change the perception of modular construction in Ireland with projects like this,” said Mark Whitehead. “The evolution of modular construction has transformed the building industry, and CIOB’s visit today reinforces this progress. With Ireland’s first permanent modular school here in Kishoge, we’ve proven that modular buildings are a fully viable competitor to traditional structures across various sectors, providing permanent, state-of-the-art solutions. They deliver faster turnaround times and a more sustainable alternative to conventional construction. This project marks a turning point for the industry and signals the beginning of a new era for modular construction in Ireland.”
