PLANM’s modular classrooms at Cheongju Naegok Elementary School have won the Grand Prize in the Office Building category at the 19th Civil Engineering and Architecture Technology Awards.
PLANM is a global company providing comprehensive modular solutions, including design, development, manufacturing, delivery, and maintenance. As the first modular school provider in Korea to complete a project, the company has built a strong track record of diverse projects supported by its top-tier experts.
Unlike traditional methods where buildings are constructed entirely on-site, the modular method involves manufacturing 50–80% of the entire process in a factory and completing the structure through simple assembly on-site. Since structures are pre-fabricated in a factory, this method allows for continuous work regardless of weather conditions. It not only ensures quality and usability equal to or better than general buildings but also significantly shortens construction periods. Furthermore, modular structures can be disassembled and relocated for re-installation, offering the advantage of minimizing construction waste.
The modular classrooms at Cheongju Naegok Elementary were introduced to resolve overcrowding caused by the rising student population in the Cheongju Technopolis area. These modular units were constructed adjacent to the existing school buildings and are seamlessly connected via a pedestrian bridge (skybridge).
While the Chungbuk Provincial Office of Education initially estimated a budget of 15 billion KRW to add 27 new classes, opting for modular classrooms slashed the cost by more than half to 6.7 billion KRW. Additionally, the construction period was drastically reduced from an expected 3 years to just 3 months.
Furthermore, the modular classrooms at Naegok Elementary ensure structural stability in compliance with the "Rules on Structural Standards for Buildings." For safety and efficient evacuation, direct stairways are installed within a 30-meter walking distance from each classroom. The facility also features safety glass for all doors and ramps along the paths leading from the evacuation floors to the exterior.
To ensure a healthy and pleasant learning environment, PLANM submitted air quality measurement results confirming that levels of formaldehyde, fine dust, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide comply with the "Enforcement Rules of the Indoor Air Quality Control Act." The classrooms and hallways feature full-length windows to maximize natural light. Naturally, the facility passed indoor air quality tests for formaldehyde and radon by using eco-friendly interior and exterior materials. In addition to superior insulation and soundproofing, sprinklers were installed in every room to ensure fire resistance.
The school bathrooms were also prefabricated in a factory and assembled on-site. A key advantage is that if a defect occurs in the bathroom, individual components can be detached and replaced, making maintenance much easier than in traditional concrete buildings.
PLANM holds the largest market share in the school modular sector, having completed a total of 6,000 modular classrooms across 111 schools nationwide. Earlier this year, the company signed an agreement with the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education to provide modular classrooms at Seoul Daebang Elementary School—a project valued at approximately 5 billion KRW—through a free lease.
Daebang Elementary decided to introduce modular classrooms in 2020, a first for Seoul, to address the shortage of classrooms caused by the Singil Newtown development. During the free lease period, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education and PLANM will conduct joint research, sharing data on maintenance, usage analysis, and satisfaction surveys regarding the modular facilities.
PLANM is also striving to grow into a global modular leader. The company was selected as a Korean representative at the "Web Summit 2022" conference, where it promoted modular architecture to a global audience. Furthermore, it participated in the "World of Modular" exhibition in Las Vegas, showcasing its advanced technology, materials, and construction capabilities.
[By Reporter Kim Yu-shin]
