Align Architecture, one of Birmingham’s emerging talents, has helped Little Sutton Primary School achieve planning permission for a new community and training facility.

The school, which has an outstanding team of committed staff, required the additional space to continue delivering high-quality education and teaching experiences to its over 400 pupils.

Align was appointed to design a visually strong building and an attractive facility that would efficiently use the available space to create an additional learning and community facility, while enhancing the existing surrounding school buildings.

The project was proposed with the potential to be a multi-functional space for extra-curricular activities, training days as well as to provide a facility to be used by the community. This was an important purpose for the space to be considered throughout the design process, resulting in a flexible design.

The development, which is part of an ongoing programme of improvements at the school, comprises a new space for training purposes, new fenestration within the external facades and an external pergola with a decked terrace.

Principal Architect at Align, Nick Clewer commented:

“Little Sutton Primary School has built an enviable reputation for delivering high-quality education to all of its pupils.”

“When the school engaged us to help design the modern training facility, we knew that it had to combine comfort and style – creating a proposal that would be practical for learning as well as visually appealing.”

“As a company, we are committed to delivering projects that enhance the environment, while having minimal impact on its resources, and we were able to design a building using materials that would provide a high sustainable rating.”

“What we proposed was a contemporary, bespoke design solution for a multi-purpose building that could assist with the school’s ongoing activities – ideal for both teacher training days and shared children’s activities.”

“The training facility has been designed to help create a stronger sense of place and improve the relationship of the existing structures within their surroundings, and I’m certain that the school will benefit from the additional space that the development provides.”

Rachel Davis, Headteacher at Little Sutton Primary School, commented:

“It was important that the design made the most out of the available space within the existing courtyard curtilage of the school, while providing an attractive, practical, and thoughtful design, meeting the high-quality education standards of Little Sutton School.”

“Given Align Architecture’s experience helping other schools with similar projects, we felt assured that Nick and the team would deliver a thoughtful design that was both efficient and practical.”

“We were very impressed with the proposal, which was both sustainable and visually appealing – the perfect combination for our school which prides itself on providing high-quality education and experiences for pupils.”

“We’re looking forward to seeing the design be brought to life and giving teachers and pupils the facility needed to enhance education at the school.”

“All involved are looking forward to the completion of the scheme, providing teachers, pupils and the community with the facility, encouraging the enhancement of the school.”