In Germany, VINCI Facilities designed and delivered – in record time – a temporary modular school building for the town of Bedburg, to allow lessons to continue during a period of renovation work. The project highlights the business unit’s expertise in creating flexible solutions.
On 22 May 2025, VINCI Facilities Solutions (VINCI Energies Building Solutions) in Germany secured a new contract with the town of Bedburg, which lies northwest of Cologne, for the construction of a replacement building within the local school. With the focus on urgency and continuity of learning, the project was delivered in record time and illustrates the business unit’s ability to combine technical expertise, agile organisation and internal cooperation.
The future building, designed in the form of modular containers, has two levels, nine classrooms, and various other spaces to meet the needs of high school students. It is expected to remain in use for 24 months, meeting an immediate need: to ensure the continuity of classes and extra-curricular activities during the renovation and refitting of the existing infrastructure.
“We won the contract at the end of May 2025, and we had to be ready for the new school year.”
For Ulrich Kampling, a project manager at VINCI Facilities Germany, the challenge was clear: “We won the contract at the end of May 2025, and we had to be ready for the new school year. That alone posed a major challenge in terms of timescales.” The schedule essentially allowed just 14 weeks to complete the entire process, including the construction permit applications, civil engineering works, connections with existing buildings and installation of the modules.
Technical and organisational challenges
In addition to the time constraints, the rules governing construction in a school environment proved to be particularly demanding. “We had to adhere to strict fire-protection standards, carry out the work with school activities going on nearby, and maintain a reliable electrical supply across the whole site,” explains Ulrich Kampling. The project also called for close attention to environmental issues. To clear the land, some bushes had to be professionally cut, with extra vigilance around the protection of local species.
Internal cooperation
The Duisburg construction business unit was responsible for designing and assembling the building modules, with the Rhine-Ruhr BU taking on the operational side.
“Continuous face-to-face communication, in person and digitally, ensured close coordination between our teams. Regular updates enhanced transparency and allowed more effective oversight,” adds the project manager.
In total, between five and ten VINCI Facilities employees were involved in various capacities: business unit management, project management, property, purchasing, site preparation and accounting. This tight organisation made it possible to meet the ambitious deadlines.
Recognised expertise
VINCI Facilities has solid experience in the construction and operation of educational establishments, and modular solutions in particular.
“We possess huge expertise in school construction, and modular containers in particular. This, together with our operational know-how, was key to the project’s success,” says Ulrich Kampling. The building was handed over in August 2025, just in time for the new school year in North Rhine‑Westphalia. Operations will continue for 24 months until the project is fully completed.
A future-oriented solution
For the town of Bedburg, this temporary school building is a pragmatic and effective solution to ensure continuity in teaching and learning. For VINCI Facilities, it represents another demonstration of its ability to respond quickly to critical educational infrastructure needs while meeting high quality and safety standards.
“At VINCI Facilities, we combine creativity and efficiency with diligence and high standards, and this project is the proof. Despite extremely tight deadlines, we met our commitments and delivered a solution that fully meets the needs of the town and its users,” adds Ulrich Kampling.
12/15/2025
