Little Sutton Primary School required a new, visually appealing community and training facility to be used as a multi-functional space for community events. Nick Clewer, Principal Architect at Align Architecture discussed the innovative design process in detail with LABM.

The Project

Located at Worcester Lane in Sutton Coldfield, Little Sutton Primary School originally engaged Align Architecture for additional support in securing planning permission for the new facility.

The school also required creative support with designing a visually strong building and an attractive facility that would efficiently use the available space to create an additional area for training days and extra-curricular activities.

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.

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.

For the building to be multi-functional, it was crucial that the design was flexible and created with all potential uses in mind, contributing to the sustainability of the school site and educational campus as a future investment in the school’s facilities.

Living up to the reputation

Little Sutton Primary School has built an enviable reputation for delivering high-quality education to its pupils – providing teaching staff with the facilities and resources needed to

“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.”