We were appointed as Architect and Lead Designer by Ashe Construction alongside multi-disciplinary firm, Pick Everard, for a new £12m extension at Bedford Academy.

The GSS-designed extension, constructed by Ashe Construction and project managed by Pick Everard, operating through Perfect Circle, features 16 state-of-the-art classrooms alongside changing rooms, a dining area and community café. Sustainability was at the heart of the project, with the extension achieving an air test score significantly lower than the Passive House standards. This ensured exceptional energy efficiency, helping the school meet its Net Zero Carbon in operation goals, while reducing running costs for years to come.

The extension was designed to be extremely versatile with multi-use spaces, enabling it to be used as a community hub outside of school learning hours. Some of the multi-use rooms have two points of internal access, depending on the time of day and user group, and a landscaped external terrace area enables some classrooms to be opened for secure access to the outdoors.

The community are able to enjoy the new space for football, basketball and badminton clubs, faith groups and dance schools, as well as opportunities for individuals to hire the facilities for their own use.