Airedale Group Support Schools in Ongoing RAAC Crisis

At the Airedale Group, we’re proud to say that our flexible industrial kitchen solutions allow us to respond quickly and effectively to local and national construction challenges. Recently, our commercial kitchen innovations have helped local schools continue providing meals for pupils during renovations in the wake of the RAAC concrete crisis. Working with modular building manufacturers on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE), we are installing kitchen and dining facilities within temporary buildings, ensuring food service continuity while vital construction work takes place.

What is the RAAC Issue?

Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was a commonly used building material in the UK from the 50s until the mid-90s. It was the material of choice due to being lightweight and cost-effective. RAAC is made up of cement, lime, water and a foaming agent – making it less dense and more porous than traditional concrete.
The issue that has emerged is linked to the material’s inherent weakness and deterioration over time, which leads to cracking, corrosion and sagging. These problems have resulted in sudden structural failures, posing significant safety risks.
RAAC panels were typically used in the construction of many school buildings, leading the Department for Education to issue new guidelines and identification measures to reduce the risks associated with RAAC in our schools and public buildings.

The Role of Modular Solutions in the RAAC Crisis

Modular portable buildings offer a fast, flexible and cost-effective solution for urgent building needs. Constructed off-site, these prefabricated units minimise construction inconvenience and day-to-day disruption.
Designed to meet all necessary safety standards and featuring modern facilities, they are a convenient and flexible solution, especially in schools where infrastructure challenges could make classrooms and buildings unsafe to use during term time.
As reconstruction continues, Airedale Group is on hand to help ensure these temporary solutions meet all of your immediate needs. Collaborating with modular building manufacturers, our teams can fit out these units to specific requirements, including dining areas and full-functioning kitchens, so disruption is minimal, and you do not have to compromise on equipment and space functionality in your school kitchen.

Design and Implementation Process for Modular Units

1. Initial Consultation and Planning

Every project starts with a good plan. In the first stage of the process, Airedale Group consults with the school’s administration and stakeholders to understand the school’s specific needs and constraints. This is crucial to ensure we understand any environmental constraints and that the final design meets all functional and regulatory requirements.

2. Custom Design Solutions

Here at Airedale, we take the standard empty modular buildings and customise them to fit the specific needs of schools. From kitchen layout to materials and special equipment, we ensure this design meets all specific requirements and accessibility regulations.

3. Integration of Utilities and Facilities

During the fit-out process, we begin with the technical installation. This includes plumbing, electrical wiring, and ventilation that are in line with standard building safety procedures. This ensures the kitchen has everything a school needs to be compliant with health and safety standards and gas regulations.

4. Equipment Installation

An important part of any kitchen design is that we take time to select and install each piece of commercial kitchen equipment to ensure it is optimally placed for efficiency and energy conservation. The location of equipment is designed to reflect the real-world usage of the kitchen, ensuring efficient workflows and in line with best practice design recommendations.

5. Interior Finishing and Design

We want every design to be an inviting, pleasant dining environment for students and staff. We carefully design lighting, seating arrangements, and interior decor to ensure a comfortable, inviting place for people to enjoy.

6. Quality Assurance and Compliance

Test and quality assurance are two of the most important parts of our job. Before any modular unit is considered ready to use, we undergo rigorous compliance checks with relevant building codes and standards – ensuring everything from fire safety to hygiene is addressed.

7. Implementation Timeline

Our expert teams can deliver these fully equipped modular kitchen and dining units within a remarkably short timeframe. Our effective project management, expert installation team and pre-fabricated modular buildings mean we can provide a full-functioning kitchen to meet your needs in just a few months.

How Airedale Group Responded to the Challenges of the RAAC Crisis

Rapid deployment

Due to our large scale, nationwide coverage and expertise, we can mobilise quickly, enabling us to start projects at short notice to meet immediate needs efficiently.

Communication and coordination

Tight deadlines due to school terms and the demanding nature of these projects requires rigorous and efficient coordination. Airedale acts as a single point of contact throughout all phases of the project. Our teams know the importance of effective communication with schools, contractors and stakeholders to ensure disruption is minimised and all needs are met.

Flexibility in Design and Implementation

We are able to adapt designs and processes to ensure we meet the specific needs of each school, which can vary significantly. By providing complete solutions, including design installation and maintenance, we are able to not only simplify the process but adapt as needed to meet changing needs.

Maintenance and Aftercare

Our maintenance services can mean that any post-installation issues that may arise are swiftly addressed, and facilities are kept in the best condition. In particular, planned preventative maintenance allows you to prevent issues from arising in the first place for ease of service and minimal downtime.

What are the Benefits of Modular Solutions for School Kitchens

Modular solutions minimise disruption, allowing schools to operate normally during construction and reducing the negative impact on day-to-day operations.

In crisis situations, funds and resources are often limited, but modular solutions are hugely cost-effective, especially when compared to tractional construction. The flexibility and range of modular units mean they can be designed in a way that blends seamlessly with existing school buildings.

Thanks to our innovative modular solutions, we have been able to help schools address their immediate needs during the RAAC concrete crisis, minimising disruption and ensuring continuity of food service.

At Airedale Group, we are committed to supporting educational institutions in providing safe, efficient, and flexible solutions that are as stress-free as possible.

Learn more about Airedale’s services and get in touch to see how we can help you.