As Ramtech begins to see more and more projects that are requiring LEED certification and sophisticated sustainability requirements, we have begun the process of developing an informational guide around sustainable construction alternatives that can aid public school districts in their decision-making process when planning for permanent school expansions. Planned during the first quarter of 2014, Ramtech’s Green Benefits guide will help educate schools on the efficiencies of using sustainable construction techniques that can be realized through the use of permanent modular construction like Ramtech’s highly adaptable Accelerated Building System process. Recognized by the Modular Building Institute, the trade association that represents the commercial modular building industry in promoting permanent modular construction across a wide variety of industries for public, private, and institutional applications, the Green Benefits advantages provide for sustainability through:
- Less material waste using pre-fabrication in order to make it possible to optimize construction material purchases while minimizing the on-site waste caused by weather related damages.
- Less site disturbances since the modular structure is constructed simultaneously off-site while the foundation and other site work takes place, thereby reducing the time and impact on the surrounding site environment including reducing the number of vehicles and equipment needed.
- The off-site construction which helps eliminate the hazards associated with materials, equipment and incomplete construction processes that are typical of construction sites that can attract curious and unwelcome “visitors” (i.e. students on a school expansion project).
- An adaptability inherent in modular buildings which are frequently designed to quickly add or remove one or more “modules” minimizing the disruptions to adjacent buildings and surroundings.
Ramtech has released a new promotional video that highlights a five-classroom relocatable modular building recently designed, manufactured, and constructed for Annunciation Orthodox School in Houston, TX. The new 6,400 square foot facility allowed Annunciation Orthodox to relocate their existing pre-K program from an older facility to the new modular school building as part of the private school’s long-range master plan. The modular construction project required the demolition of an existing building adjacent to the main campus structure which had been used as a storage facility for several years.
Ramtech has released an additional video testimonial that highlights the design, manufacture, and construction of an eight-classroom modular building recently built for the Hico Independent School District in Hico, TX. (more…)
Ramtech has released a new promotional video highlighting our line of multiple classroom options for facility additions and expansions at public and private schools. The video provides an opportunity for educators to view the benefits of using our relocatable modular building designs which range in size from 4 to 16 classrooms and can be used to meet a wide variety of temporary or long-term use requirements. The video is part of our integrated promotional campaign designed to highlight a standard floor plan six-classroom modular wing addition that was installed as a demonstration facility adjacent to our corporate headquarters and manufacturing plant. The video will emphasize our abilities and show prospective school clients how they can meet their facility requirements using our customizable multiple classroom buildings. As a full service design-build construction company, we can provide them with a first-hand look at what we can be done using our approach to relocatable buildings and permanent modular construction.
For over 30 years we have provided public, private, and faith-based schools throughout the Southwest with portable classroom buildings through an inventory program that typically keeps over 50 two-classroom modular buildings (both with and without restrooms) on hand for immediate delivery. Available using sale or lease options, our program has enabled us to become the largest supplier of portable classrooms in the Southwest. During 2012, Ramtech provided nearly 100 portable classroom buildings to public, private, and charter schools in a five state area. The primary advantages to the two classroom modular building is they require little if any site preparation and are easily relocated as the needs of the school change. While multiple classroom buildings often require more site development, they do provide the look and feel of permanent facilities and are much faster and less expensive than actual site constructed school additions. They also can lead to a safer environment by allowing teachers and students to change classes while remaining in the same building for an entire school day.
Individual classroom buildings can be designed and constructed to address requirements for computer and science labs, administrative offices, and specialty classrooms for all age groups. Exterior finishes can be as simple and low cost as R-panel steel siding, or as permanent looking as synthetic stucco or brick veneer paneling. The interior finishes are very similar to site constructed buildings including the use of T-grid ceilings, recessed lighting, vinyl covered sheetrock walls, and vinyl composition tile or carpeted floors. Custom multiple classroom buildings can also be designed, manufactured, and installed usually within a 60-90 day time frame depending on the site conditions and local permitting requirements.
Last week Ramtech received word that the Redwater (TX) school board has approved a design-build agreement with us to proceed with providing preconstruction services for a 18,348 square foot middle school building to be completed next August prior to the 2014-2015 school year. (more…)