A sustainable new teaching facility has been delivered in 38 weeks for South Hunsley School in East Yorkshire.

Contractor, Helix CMS, in partnership with The Education Alliance Trust (TEAL), has handed over the £2.5m new development, which was designed by Alessandro Caruso Architects (ACA).

The building stands as a benchmark for modern school design, combining sustainability, inclusivity, and innovative construction techniques.

Spanning two storeys and 743sq m, the building provides eight classrooms, a reception hall, administrative spaces, toilet facilities, and supporting plant rooms.

And it has been designed with the needs of pupils and teachers at its heart, embodying safeguarding, accessibility, equality, and diversity standards and ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all.

But it is the approach to sustainability that really sets the project apart, with an emphasis on a fabric-first approach.

Key environmental features include:

• External wall insulation and high-performance windows for improved energy efficiency
• Roof U-Values designed for insulation and reduced energy demand
• A PV solar array on the roof to harness renewable energy
• Timber shingles integrated into the façade to connect with the landscaped backdrop
• Large classroom openings to maximise daylight, ventilation, and wellbeing
• Natural louvre systems on the south-facing façade to reduce solar gains
• Concrete floor plates providing high thermal mass for energy-efficient heating and cooling
• Retention of all existing trees on site, alongside new tree planting for a biodiversity net gain

By using modern methods of construction (MMC), including offsite fabrication of the steel frame structure (SFS), Helix CMS delivered the project faster, more efficiently, and with reduced waste.

“Our vision was to create a building that not only provides high-quality teaching spaces, but also embodies sustainability and wellbeing,” said head architect, Alessandro Caruso,

“Working closely with Helix CMS and TEAL, we’ve designed a facility that futureproofs education at South Hunsley while minimising environmental impact.”

Over the 38-week programme, the Helix team focused on social value, including burying a time capsule created by SEND pupils and containing drawings and memories of the school.

Work experience was also offered to Year 11 students, both on site and in Helix’s offices; and more than 240 Year 9 pupils visited the live construction site, sparking curiosity about careers in construction.

“Projects like South Hunsley represent why Helix exists, to deliver spaces that make a real difference for local communities,” said Ross Bellingham, commercial director at Helix CMS.

“Working alongside ACA and TEAL, we’ve created a facility that reflects both the immediate needs of South Hunsley and the long-term vision for sustainable, inclusive education spaces in our region.”

The project was supported by £1m S106 funding from East Riding of Yorkshire Council, aligned with the Brough South Development planning application.