Calthorpe Academy, Birmingham

MADE Architecture began designing a new 16-19 provision building for Birmingham City Council at the end of 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.

The concept for 2 curvilinear forms was derived from studying sun paths and accommodating different areas within the building. It incorporated a central atrium space, separated teaching spaces, and general spaces, such as a 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 adjusted glazing to ensure the building performs efficiently and to help reduce the academy’s carbon footprint.