Project Description

We are seeing an increase in prefabricated, innovative building methods to address the growing need for specialised educational facilities for the Arts and Performing Arts sector. A prime example is the development of bespoke spaces with specific technical needs, like a modular drama space facility. A speedy, quality-controlled construction project where specialist stage lighting and sound system design are key, while minimal disruption to an active campus is essential. We undertook this approach recently at Wollaston School, where the requirement for an additional, fully-equipped drama studio led to selecting one of our bespoke modular solutions, created to seamlessly integrate with existing structures and provide state-of-the-art amenities for students.

Explore innovative, prefabricated construction methods for the Arts and performing arts sector. See our modular drama studio extension, a fully equipped drama studio bespoke modular solution that overcame drainage issues.

Project Overview And Design

Drama Studio Extension Using Modular Construction

This UK School faced a shortage of dedicated space for drama activities, requiring facilities beyond its existing performing arts block. To address this, the school identified the need for an additional drama studio and associated teaching facilities. The concept was to create a new, modular building designed as an extension that would integrate seamlessly in both scale and appearance with the main school structures.

The Design Vision And Exterior Execution For The New Drama Building

The concept was to create a modular extension sympathetic to the existing performing arts block.

In terms of materials & aesthetics, the exterior of the new studio was finished using a multi-toned buff brick slip system. This was complemented by anthracite grey detailing for window/door headers, sills, and the lower brick courses at Damp Proof Course (DPC) level.

To match and integrate with the existing buildings, we carefully considered the colouring of fascias, downpipes, windows, and external doors to ensure visual continuity and tone-matching to reinforce the connection with the parent building.

Project Challenges

Drama Studio Extension With Drainage Issues

The chosen site layout initially comprised a small paved piazza bordered by landscaped areas containing shrubbery, trees, and seating. This area was located along the western edge within a split-level tarmac zone, serving as an informal hub.

However, during preliminary site investigations it identified significant drainage issues due to the existing surface water management. The strategy was deemed inadequate, relying on several small soakaways managing runoff from adjacent buildings.

Critically, at least two of these existing soakaways were located directly within the planned footprint for the new drama studio.

Project Solutions

Addressing Drainage and Regulatory Constraints

The Problem of the existing soakaways within the build area, coupled with the need to manage rainwater from the new studio’s roof, presented a major obstacle. Furthermore, building regulations mandated that any new soakaway must be positioned at least 5 meters away from building foundations.

Our solution involved collaborating with a consulting engineer to redirect the existing drainage away from the two defunct soakaways within the footprint. We designed a new, large-scale soakaway capable of handling the combined runoff from the decommissioned units, the new drama block roof, and any other surface flows needing redirection. The most viable location for the new, large soakaway was identified as the existing split/sunken level tarmac area to the west of the new building – leveraging an underutilised space.

Project Construction And Site Management

Drama Studio Extension With Minimal Site Disruption & Phased Construction

Minimising disruption during the construction was carefully phased to limit interference with the school’s daily operations. These phased activities began with initial works focused on foundation excavations and rerouting the necessary drainage.

The deeper excavations for the large soakaway were then scheduled during quieter periods during school holidays or outside school hours to manage higher-risk activities safely.

The construction process included transforming the split-level tarmac area. Post-soakaway installation, this zone was levelled and finished with block paving, creating a dedicated, functional outdoor seating and congregation space specifically tailored for sixth-form students, complementing the new building and surrounding departments.

Project Challenges And Solutions

A Modular Unit With Bespoke Lighting & Sound Systems For Performing Arts

A spacious drama studio dominates the modular drama building’s interior core space.

The studio’s supporting facilities include two single-sex changing rooms. A connecting pass door between these rooms offers flexibility, allowing them to function as a single, larger backstage area when needed for performances.

The bespoke technical and lighting features include:

  • Audiovisual: A kiosk-controlled surround sound system and wall-mounted stage lighting bars provide essential technical infrastructure.
  • High 3-meter ceilings enhance the sense of space within the studio.
  • Lighting Control: Matte black finishes on walls and ceilings, combined with remote-controlled blackout blinds on high-level windows and roof lights, allow for complete management of natural light, crucial for dramatic effect

Finishing Touches

High-quality flooring materials were selected throughout. The main studio features a durable, aesthetically pleasing timber-effect Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) floor. Backstage and changing areas utilise slip-resistant vinyl flooring for enhanced safety and ease of maintenance.

The Client’s Feedback

Drama Studio Extension Design To Completion Funded By Section 106 Funds

“Working with MPH has been amazing. The team are so professional and helpful. We have now completed a few projects with MPH and I would recommend their work and services with hesitation. Our recent Drama project was funded by section 106 funds so included an increase in facilities to support the Drama curriculum. This included a Drama Studio, toilets, changing rooms and catering facilities.

From design to completion MPH could not have been more helpful, working within a tight budget they continued to amaze us with what we could achieve. Great ideas on design, finish etc.

Their modular designs are value for money and look like they have always been here. We used other contractors for technical audio works, but MPH managed these works for us which is helpful in keeping the project on track. Completion and handover were in time and on budget. These handovers also have a very personal touch, and we consider MPH as part of our school community.

They worked on the outside areas to ensure the design matches our existing buildings. The outside area also supports the building offering spaces for pupils to learn outside. Inside the communal spaces also support the curriculum. Since completion we have seen an increase in our lettings for these spaces. The drama studio now supports the school productions, again giving a boost to the Arts curriculum.” – Wollaston School, Perfomrming Arts

Advantages Of Modular Construction For The Performing Arts

Modular construction offers several distinct advantages when applied to the development of facilities within the performing arts sector, such as drama studios, music rooms, small theatres, and rehearsal spaces:

  1. Speed of Delivery: Performing arts schedules, especially in educational settings (like schools needing work done during holidays) or professional venues (fitting builds between seasons), are often tight. Much of the construction happens off-site in a factory while site preparation occurs simultaneously. This significantly reduces the overall project timeline compared to traditional construction, minimising downtime and disruption to performances or teaching.

  2. Reduced Site Disruption: Building within existing campuses, theatre complexes, or busy urban areas requires minimising noise, dust, traffic, and the overall construction footprint. Modular construction confines much of the building activity to the factory, leading to significantly less disturbance on the actual site, which is critical for nearby ongoing performances, classes, or other activities.

  3. Quality Control & Specialised Requirements: Performing arts spaces demand high levels of technical specification, particularly regarding acoustics (soundproofing, insulation, internal acoustic treatments) and the integration of complex systems (lighting rigs, AV, climate control). Manufacturing modules in a controlled factory environment allows for greater precision, rigorous quality checks, and easier integration and testing of these specialised elements before they arrive on site.

  4. Cost Predictability: Factory production allows for more accurate cost estimation upfront. With reduced weather delays and streamlined processes, modular projects often have greater budget certainty, which is crucial for arts organisations and educational institutions often working with fixed grants or public funding.

  5. Design Flexibility & Bespoke Solutions: Contrary to some misconceptions, modern modular construction allows for significant design freedom. It can accommodate specific requirements of performing arts spaces like high ceilings for stages or studios, specific room layouts for optimal acoustics or audience flow, and high-specification internal and external finishes to match existing architecture or create a specific aesthetic.

  6. Sustainability: Factory processes often result in less material waste than traditional site builds. Furthermore, the potential exists for modular buildings to be relocated or repurposed in the future, aligning with increasing environmental considerations.

  7. Improved Safety: Constructing large portions of the building in a controlled factory setting generally leads to fewer on-site accidents compared to traditional construction methods exposed to weather and varying site conditions.

In summary, modular construction provides a compelling solution for the performing arts sector by enabling faster delivery of high-quality, technically specific spaces with less disruption and greater cost certainty, making it particularly suitable for time-sensitive projects or those within active, sensitive environments.