Title: Calthorpe Academy

Location: Birmingham

Sector: Education

Calthorpe Academy

MADE Architecture begun designing a new 16-19 provision building for Birmingham City Council in 2014 to cater for the Academy’s expanding needs. The Academy specialises in education needs for SEN children, largely with Autism. The project was delivered in conjunction with Birmingham City Council and Calthorpe Academy.

In Detail

The concept for 2 curvilinear forms was derived from studying sun paths and accommodating different areas within the building. A central atrium space, separated teaching spaces and general spaces, such as canteen, kitchen, WCs and indoor recreation.

A new sensory garden and outdoor amphitheatre seating was proposed as an outdoor learning environment, which helped reduce landfill waste.

The building benefits from responsive sensor lighting and solar adjustive glazing to ensure the building performs efficiently and to help reduce the Academy’s carbon footprint.