Hyde Community College

Project Brief

Hyde Community College required a new, two-storey modular teaching block to meet rising student demand and expand its curriculum provision. The facility needed to deliver modern classrooms, science laboratories, welfare spaces, and accessible facilities within a compact site footprint, with minimal disruption to ongoing school operations.

Elite Systems was commissioned to deliver a full turnkey solution, including design, manufacture, and on-site installation. The project demanded compliance with Building Regulations, the Disability Discrimination Act, and stringent fire and acoustic standards.

Constructed using a steel frame, the building combined robust performance with design flexibility. External Colorcoat LG steel cladding and an EPDM roof membrane ensured long-term durability, while advanced M&E systems delivered comfort and energy efficiency.
 
 
 

CCS Supplier, Considerate Constructors, Investors in People, ISO

 

client

Client

Hyde Community College

sector

Sector

Education

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Location

Hyde, Greater Manchester

 

The Main Features

Outside

Contemporary Cladding –Tata Colorcoat steel panels provide a sleek, durable, and low-maintenance exterior finish.

Glass Entrance Canopy –Adds aesthetic appeal while protecting visitors from the elements at the main entry point.

Firestone Roof System –EPDM Firestone membrane provides durable waterproofing and low maintenance.

External Staircase –Powder-coated steel staircase ensures safe access to the upper floor.

Security Doors –Robust steel entrance doors with secure locking enhance safety.

LED External Lighting –Photocell-controlled bulkheads provide security and energy-efficient illumination.

Inside

Modern Classrooms –Bright, flexible teaching spaces fitted with LED lighting, data trunking, and energy-efficient heating for optimal learning comfort.

Science Laboratories –Fully equipped with durable benching, sinks, and storage, supporting practical and experimental learning activities.

Accessibility Focus –DDA-compliant WCs, level thresholds, and wide corridors ensure inclusivity for all students and staff.

Efficient Lighting –Tamlite recessed LED panels and daylight dimming systems reduce energy use and enhance visibility.

Air Quality Systems –Hybrid air handling units with CO₂ monitoring provide consistent fresh air and thermal balance.

Safety & Security –Fire alarms, emergency lighting, and secure access systems maintain compliance and safeguard occupants.

 

 

Challenges & how we overcame them

Double-Storey Engineering

The two-level modular design required enhanced structural engineering to ensure stability and long-term performance. Load transfer between floors, wind bracing, and fire protection systems demanded specialist design coordination between Elite Systems’ engineers and external consultants. Achieving this within modular constraints required innovative detailing and close tolerances during factory manufacture.

Site Constraints & Logistics

Working within an operational college presented spatial and logistical challenges. The site offered limited manoeuvring space for cranes and delivery vehicles, requiring precise scheduling and coordination with the college. Deliveries were carefully timed to avoid peak student hours. Temporary access routes and safety barriers ensured minimal disruption, while daily site communication with staff kept operations smooth. Despite tight access, the installation was completed safely and efficiently.

Coordination of M&E Services

Integrating extensive mechanical and electrical systems, including LED lighting, CO₂-monitored ventilation, and Daikin air conditioning, posed coordination challenges within a compact modular frame. Elite Systems’ M&E specialists developed precise layouts for cable routing, service containment, and ceiling integration. All systems were tested pre-delivery and verified on-site to meet regulatory compliance. The result is a reliable, energy-efficient network supporting modern learning technology and ensuring comfort throughout both teaching and laboratory spaces.

Programme Delivery & Deadlines

The college’s academic calendar set a strict 20-week delivery window from order to completion. Achieving this required streamlined design approval, efficient procurement, and concurrent off-site manufacturing. Elite’s in-house teams coordinated daily progress checks and pre-scheduled installations to prevent delays. Despite external dependencies such as utility connections and testing, the project was handed over on time, ensuring the new facility was ready for the start of term.

Quality & Compliance Assurance

Ensuring high-quality finishes and full compliance with DDA, Building Regulations, and fire safety standards was crucial. Frequent inspections were conducted both in-factory and on-site, covering elements such as floor coverings, ceiling systems, and accessible toilet installations. Each classroom underwent commissioning tests for lighting, ventilation, and acoustic performance. Rigorous quality control maintained Elite Systems’ reputation for excellence.

Environmental Performance

Energy performance was a key focus, with targets for reduced energy use and carbon output. Integrating low-energy LED lighting, daylight dimming controls, and hybrid air-handling units improved efficiency and comfort. Durable materials such as Colorcoat steel cladding and Firestone roofing provided longevity with minimal maintenance. The modular build’s reduced waste and factory efficiency further supported sustainability goals.

 

Built Around the Brief

Prefabricated in Elite Systems’ West Yorkshire factory, the double-storey teaching block was precision-engineered before rapid on-site installation. Classrooms and laboratories were arranged along a central corridor spine, with welfare and circulation areas to the side. As-built drawings ensured alignment with building regulations, accessibility standards, and service integration. The modular construction method delivered outstanding quality, reduced disruption, and ensured the college could gain a fully operational facility in record time.

 

 

The Results

The completed modular teaching block at Hyde Community College provides a modern, durable, and high-performance learning environment tailored to the needs of both staff and students. Delivered within a twelve-week programme, the building expands teaching capacity while maintaining the highest standards of safety, accessibility, and sustainability.

The facility includes general classrooms, science labs, welfare areas, and DDA-compliant amenities, all designed for efficiency and comfort. The modular construction process ensured precise quality control, minimised site disruption, and accelerated delivery, enabling the college to occupy the building ahead of schedule.

Key features such as LED lighting, air conditioning, and hybrid ventilation deliver year-round energy efficiency and comfort. Externally, Colorcoat LG cladding provides a sleek, contemporary aesthetic that complements existing school buildings.

Overall, the project exemplifies how modern modular methods can combine speed, quality, and sustainability to create future-proofed educational spaces that inspire learning and support community growth.

 

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