The recent RAAC crisis has highlighted a critical and urgent need for safe, alternative building solutions across the United Kingdom, particularly within the education sector. Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) has been identified as a material prone to deterioration and failure, posing significant risks to the structural integrity of buildings constructed from the 1950s until the mid-1990s. This crisis has particularly impacted schools, necessitating immediate action to ensure the safety and continuity of education.

Understanding the RAAC Problem

RAAC is a lightweight form of concrete that was popular for its ease of installation and cost-effectiveness. However, its porous nature allows for water ingress, leading to corrosion of the steel reinforcement within and ultimately, to the risk of sudden collapse​​. The Department for Education (DfE) in England has been actively addressing this issue, identifying buildings at risk and issuing guidance for mitigation, including the potential for closures and a return to remote learning in some cases​​​​.

The Implications for Schools and Public Buildings

The severity of the RAAC problem cannot be understated. Structural failures can occur with little to no warning, putting the lives of students and staff at risk. The discovery of RAAC has led to the closure of several schools, with others having to adapt to a mix of remote and face-to-face learning arrangements. As of recent reports, a significant number of schools have confirmed the presence of RAAC, underlining the widespread nature of this crisis​​.

Instant Space: A Reliable and Swift Solution

In response to the urgent need for safe, alternative spaces, Instant Space offers a range of temporary building solutions that can be rapidly deployed to serve as temporary schools and public buildings. Our modular structures are designed to provide a secure and conducive learning environment, ensuring that education can continue uninterrupted while permanent solutions are being sought for the RAAC crisis.

Benefits of Choosing Instant Space

• Quick Deployment: Our temporary buildings can be quickly assembled, offering an immediate solution to schools and other public institutions facing closures due to the RAAC crisis.
• Safety and Compliance: All structures adhere to stringent safety standards, providing a secure alternative to buildings at risk of structural failure.
• Flexibility: Modular designs allow for a range of configurations, accommodating different space requirements and functions, from classrooms to offices and communal areas.
• Cost-Effective: Compared to the cost and time involved in repairing or replacing RAAC-affected buildings, our temporary structures offer an economical and efficient solution.

The RAAC crisis has presented a formidable challenge, particularly for the education sector in the UK. With the safety of students and staff being of paramount importance, Instant Space is committed to providing swift, safe, and flexible building solutions. Our quick to deploy temporary structures represent a practical and reliable alternative, ensuring that the impact on education and public services is minimised during this critical time.

By choosing Instant Space, schools and public bodies can navigate the challenges posed by the RAAC crisis with confidence, knowing they have a rapid and robust solution at their disposal. Our team is ready to support your needs, offering expert advice and tailored solutions to meet the urgent demands of this unprecedented situation.

For more information on how Instant Space can help your institution, please contact us. Together, we can ensure that education and public services continue safely and without interruption.