Seaham School Modular Building AC Installation

The Brief

Working in partnership with National Modular, Alpine Air was tasked with delivering a full air conditioning solution for a newly constructed modular school building in Seaham, County Durham. This was a significant project as the facility was designed to accommodate a mix of learning and administrative spaces, including classrooms, staff offices, and larger communal areas such as a hall and breakout zones. Each of these environments required consistent and reliable climate control, but each also had very different demands. Classrooms needed quiet, distraction-free systems that could maintain a steady temperature throughout the day, while staff offices required more flexible zoning and energy-conscious performance to match variable occupancy.

The modular nature of the build introduced a number of unique challenges. Space for services is often tighter than in traditional construction, and the installation process has to run in lockstep with the prefabrication and assembly of the building. Timelines were also compressed - the school had a strict opening date, meaning that delays were not an option. On top of this, any system we specified had to align with the strict efficiency, environmental, and compliance standards required in the education sector. The client wanted a solution that was reliable, scalable for future expansion, and simple enough to operate for staff on site.

Our Solution

Following a detailed consultation and site review, Alpine Air specified and installed a Mitsubishi Electric VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) system. VRF was chosen because of its proven ability to deliver precise climate control across multiple zones while offering exceptional energy efficiency - a key factor for both sustainability targets and long-term running costs. The system was designed so that classrooms, staff areas, and communal spaces could be managed independently, allowing for tailored comfort depending on how each space was being used. This flexibility is particularly valuable in a school setting where room occupancy varies dramatically throughout the day.

Close coordination with National Modular was critical. Our engineers planned installation in sequence with the delivery and assembly of the prefabricated modules, ensuring that pipework and indoor units were installed neatly and efficiently without disrupting the wider construction programme. Special care was taken to ensure the installation was tidy and discreet, with ceiling-mounted units blending into the classroom environments to maintain a quiet, distraction-free setting. As with all Alpine Air projects, the entire installation was carried out by our in-house F-Gas certified engineers, guaranteeing full compliance with regulations and ensuring the system was commissioned to the highest standard.

The Outcome

The project was delivered on time and fully aligned with the school’s scheduled opening, supporting a seamless transition for staff and pupils. The Mitsubishi Electric VRF system now provides reliable year-round comfort, delivering efficient cooling in warmer months and dependable heating in winter. Compared to more conventional HVAC systems, the VRF installation offers significant energy savings, helping the school to reduce operational costs and contribute to broader sustainability commitments within the education sector.

For pupils, the result is a comfortable, distraction-free learning environment where temperature is no longer a concern, even on the hottest or coldest days of the year. For staff, zoned controls mean that offices and support areas can be managed independently, reducing wasted energy and creating a more comfortable working environment. Feedback from National Modular was extremely positive, highlighting our ability to adapt to the accelerated modular construction schedule and our commitment to delivering a neat, discreet installation that integrates seamlessly with the new building. With this project, Alpine Air has once again demonstrated the value of combining technical expertise, high-quality equipment, and a collaborative approach to ensure both client satisfaction and long-term performance.