SAGE Classrooms

A Modular Partnership

A team of Architecture faculty and students from Portland State University conceived a plan to explore options for classroom space needs typically filled by the use of portable classrooms. Portable classrooms had long had a negative reputation, and typically were not something teachers, students or parents wanted on school campuses. However, there was still a need, and often times modular buildings were the only option.  A better solution had to be out there, and the team at PSU began working to develop another option.

In 2010, Blazer was invited to participate in a symposium to discuss modular design for schools. This led to a partnership with Portland State University, and others to design an alternative to the standard portable classroom. Amongst other things, features of the design included additional windows, increased ceiling height, better HVAC system, natural daylighting, ceiling fans and a more visually pleasing design. This design was named SAGE which stands for Smart Academic Green Environment.

Pacific Mobile joined the team, and committed to being the distributor of the SAGE classroom. Pacific Mobile handles all aspects of the project from initial request through completion on site while working together with Blazer and PSU on elements of the design.

Blazer built the first prototype for Pacific Mobile which was featured in November of 2012 at the Greenbuild show in San Francisco to rave reviews. Since that time, school districts throughout the Pacific Northwest have made the leap and committed to providing better classrooms for their districts. The SAGE classroom has been well received by students, teachers, administrators, parents and the communities involved.

Since it’s inception, the SAGE design has grown from basic single and double classroom buildings into larger complexes and additional configurations specific to each individual school’s needs and space limitations.

Blazer, PSU, and Pacific Mobile continue to work toward the development and improvement of the SAGE classroom. As building codes and space needs change, so do materials, components and features of the design. Blazer, PSU and Pacific Mobile are all dedicated to providing modular solutions for schools that are sustainable, efficient and buildings teachers, students, parents and community members are proud to have in their district.