For schools and colleges who are planning building works, every day matters. Term dates, exam schedules and the impact of student disruption, all mean that time is one of the biggest deciding factors in the successful outcome of education construction works. Time isn’t just money; it’s learning lost if projects stall.
More education providers than ever before are moving away from traditional construction routes in favour of design-build: a faster, more integrated approach to building works that gets learning spaces delivered efficiently.
So, how exactly does a design-build construction model make things faster?
Multiple phases can run in unison, rapid on-site installation
Traditional construction models work in a strict sequence. Architects and consultants are appointed, then, once designs are finalised, contractors are tendered for. After that comes the build itself, which only starts when everything else is signed off. It can be a drawn-out, stop-start process which is vulnerable to delays at every stage and inevitably impacts on project costs.
Schools we have worked with have explained that this can be frustrating as they find themselves dependent totally on the smooth and timely running and co-ordination of so many other parts in the process.
In contrast, a design-build model allows for multiple phases of the building works to run in parallel. With a single team responsible for the entire project, the planning, design, manufacturing and site preparation phases can overlap. While one team may be preparing foundations, another could already be constructing the envelope system offsite.
This dramatically reduces the on-site phase which is often the most disruptive part of any school building works. The design-build model is also less weather-dependent, reducing the risk of seasonal delays. The result is weeks or even months shaved off a building programme; it’s the difference between that new dining hall being able to open in time for Christmas dinner rather than Easter lunch, or the sports hall being available for the full academic year’s PE lessons, rather than only half.
One central team
With traditional builds, every time a project is handed from one team to another, be it architect to engineer or engineer to contractor, time is inevitably lost. Clarifications are needed, questions arise and changes creep in.
However, the design-build model eliminates these gaps with the same team owning the process end-to-end. Communication is faster and decisions are made without waiting for external contractors to weigh in.
Designed around the school calendar
Perhaps most importantly, design-build makes it easier to align construction timelines with the academic year. Many projects can be scheduled for completion within single school holidays. Without this offer, schools find themselves struggling to accommodate construction materials, safety fencing and site operatives working alongside their pupils, posing health and safety concerns. Frustratingly, during term time, ongoing construction means that certain areas of the school site can be made completely out of use while works are in progress.
What’s right for you?
Traditional construction methods simply weren’t built around the needs of modern schools but the design-build method is. Design-build is faster by design and structured to deliver efficiently, collaboratively and without delay. For education providers under pressure to improve facilities quickly and cost-effectively, design-build saves time, to best serve staff and students with improved facilities that are fit for purpose in today’s schools.
ZONE Design.Build
In education, time as well as space and budget, are always under pressure so when it comes to delivering new facilities, the right build method can make all the difference. ZONE Design.Build offers a streamlined alternative to traditional construction, built specifically around the needs of the education sector.
We combine design and construction into one seamless process, enabling faster project delivery, tighter cost control and minimal disruption to the school calendar. Our in-house team works closely with education leaders, from Multi-Academy Trusts to individual state and independent schools, to create high-quality learning environments that are fit for purpose and future-ready.
ZONE is more than a build partner. We’re a long-term collabora tor that understands the operational realities of education and delivers solutions to match. Whether it’s a standalone classroom block or a large-scale campus addition, we help schools get from concept to completion without the compromises that come with traditional models.
Find out more at: zonedesignbuild.co.uk