Opening a New School: Build a New School Facility or to Renovate

Building a New School Facility or to Renovate

Deciding on a new school facility or to renovate is an early conversation with many new school projects. Educational institutions worldwide are continually seeking the perfect space to nurture young minds. However, the path to creating an optimal learning environment is not always straightforward.

When it comes to school expansion or construction, educators, investors, and architects often face a significant decision:

Should they build a brand-new facility, renovate an existing school, or repurpose a different type of building to become a school?

Each option presents its unique set of challenges and opportunities. This article aims to help you understand the considerations for a new school facility or renovating.

Building a New School

Constructing a new school from the ground up is the most straightforward option. It offers a blank canvas for designing modern, state-of-the-art educational spaces. Some view new construction as prohibitively expensive, but in reality, the cost of renovation and new construction can be quite similar. This is especially true when dealing with older or historic school buildings, where significant unexpected costs can quickly add up.

Effective planning and design teams guide their clients through a point-by-point analysis of the facilities options. They emphasise the importance of evaluating the cost, community connection, safety, capital maintenance needs, adaptability to the academic program, and sustainability goals. For instance, modern school designs embrace student-centred approaches to instruction, with adaptable classrooms designed for active learning, collaboration, and small-group activities. When considering whether to build a new school facility or to renovate, the goals of the school need to be clear.

How do we determine cost?

A simple way is to use our Ground Floor Area GFA calculator and then multiply by an approximate build cost.

Renovate an Existing School

Renovating an existing school can be a thoughtful choice, preserving the historical and emotional connection a community may have with its school building. However, it’s crucial not to underestimate the challenges of school renovation projects. If the school is still in operation, safety concerns come to the forefront, as renovations often require taking sections of the building offline during parts of the year, potentially disrupting the learning environment. The timelines for completion as well as disruption to student revenue need to be considered in the planning process for a school facility or renovating.

Assessing an existing school’s building systems and exterior envelope is essential. It provides an opportunity to enhance insulation, increase natural daylighting, and improve energy efficiency. However, it’s vital to consider the cost-effectiveness of these improvements.

How do we determine cost?

You will need to determine the ground floor area and then multiply by an approximate renovation cost. An accurate estimate using qualified personnel will be important however because just like renovating homes the exercise is complex.

Repurpose a Facility

Innovative investors and developers are now exploring the concept of repurposing existing facilities, turning unconventional spaces like retail malls, warehouses, or abandoned buildings into vibrant, high-performance learning environments. Repurposing can be a cost-effective solution, offering significant time and budget advantages over new construction.

GSE has successfully converted a shopping mall and mixed use space into a school in Asia. (Kingsgate International School) It has also been done successfully in the US city of Burlington, Vermont.

When repurposing, high ceilings are a necessity for accommodating modern mechanical systems and ensuring adequate air quality. Plumbing infrastructure, including water and sewer service, must be evaluated for compatibility with educational needs. Security is another crucial consideration, ensuring secure entry points, exit routes, exterior lighting, and access to emergency services. Similarly, overly large spaces with high ceilings, concrete walls, floors and ceilings can be challenging for acoustics. There is a lot to consider.

Daylighting is vital for creating high-performance learning spaces and may require extensive retrofitting in repurposed buildings. This can include adding windows, clerestories, skylights, and light wells to infuse natural light into the interior spaces. While daylighting schemes can be costly, they are essential for creating optimal learning environments.

A crucial factor is also play, recreational and sporting facilities. This can be achieved by using large internal spaces or repurposing outside spaces. A modern and very successful trend is the concept of “community education precincts” whereby relationships are created between facilities as shared use spaces. Sharing local community sports fields, tennis/basketball courts and especially swimming pools are strategically very good decisions for communities. School facilities are very under utilised after hours and weekdays while community facilities are rarely used during the week days. This model is not only a valid choice but often encouraged in many communities.

Repurposing becomes impractical if the costs exceed two-thirds of what a new facility would cost. Deciding between renovation, repurposing, or new construction should not be solely about economics but also about providing students with an environment they can take pride in.

The decision to build a new school, renovate an existing one, or repurpose a facility is multifaceted. Each option has its merits and challenges. Effective planning, comprehensive evaluations, and careful consideration of factors like cost, safety, sustainability, and the well-being of students and staff are essential in crafting the ideal educational space. Whether it’s the traditional appeal of a new build, the preservation of history through renovation, or the innovative approach of repurposing, the choice should align with the unique needs and aspirations of the community it serves.

Contact GSE Soon 👇

GSE set up schools in all areas of the world

GSE manage and operate schools in all areas of the world

CEO and Education Expert Greg Parry

Internationally renowned for his expertise in education leadership, Greg Parry’s vast experience includes leadership of projects for education institutions throughout Australia, the Middle East, the United States, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and China. Recognised for his numerous contributions in the education arena, Greg has received the Ministers Award for Excellence in School Leadership based on improvements in school performance and a range of successful principal training and leadership development programs, as well as the School of Excellence Award for Industry/School Partnerships and the School of Excellence Award for Technology Innovation. His company GSE (Global Services in Education) has been recognised as having the Best Global Brand in International Education in 2015 and 2016.

Considered one of the premier experts in his profession, Greg has trained teachers and principals throughout the world in areas such as critical thinking, language development and leadership. His expertise in school start up projects, leadership and curriculum development, has made him a sought after authority in these discipline.

www.gsineducation.com

Global Services in Education set up and operate schools in all parts of the world. Governed by a philosophy of global citizenship, every member of the GSE team shares a passion to help shape international education and student achievement through inspiration and collaboration.
Our goal is to meet the highest objectives of every school, teacher, student and parent, with an unwavering dedication to quality education, shared ideals and intercultural perspectives.