Shelter Industries Custom Modular Housing

Surrey School District #36 selected Shelter Industries to construct the first phase of the new Surrey College Campus, which houses a self-funded adult educational program run by the Surrey School District.

Kerry Magnus, the Associate Director, Business Management Services, at the Surrey School District, says “We decided to go with modular mainly because of time constraints.  Since modular could be constructed indoors while the permanent foundations were laid, we could get up and running faster. It was amazing to see the crane put the modular units into place all in one day!”

The Surrey College Campus is a 17,071 square foot classroom complex, comprised of 32 modules.  This permanent facility includes 12 classrooms, administrative offices, student and faculty lounges, and washrooms.  The facility includes all the attributes of site-built construction, including a skylight, lots of functional windows, central hot water heating, electrical, communications and security systems, full fire alarm and sprinkler systems, ventilation system, window and door security shutters, and a permanent foundation with an  insulated/heated crawl space.

Surrey School Associate Director Kerry Magnus also credits the architectural team for designing a building that looks so “collegiate” and inviting.  “These modular buildings are certainly nothing like the old school portables.  Some of our staff were very wary about going with modular.  But now that the project is complete, everyone is very happy with it. These modular buildings have a completely different feel than what people imagine they would have.”

Project architect, Mark Mathiasen of Graham Hoffart Mathiasen Architects, says “We’ve worked extensively with modular construction.  It’s easy to work with once one understands a few basic principals, including shipping constraints. Construction in a climate-controlled factory environment contributed to the high quality result.”

“The facility was completed and opened December 2006,” says Dave Paul, Director of Instruction at the Surrey College.  “We are quite satisfied with the quality of construction in these buildings.  They are warm and inviting. I particularly like the ventilation system.  With the heat and fresh air, these are very comfortable and healthy buildings.  I’m also very pleased with Shelter’s responsiveness to our needs.  Overall, I’m very pleased.  These modular units are top quality.”

“This building is representative of what you can do with modular,” says Shelter Industries president Harold Clifford. “With great design and superior quality construction, this project enabled Shelter to win an award from the Modular Building Institute.”
To learn more about the Surrey College, go to www.surreycollege.sd36.bc.ca.

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