OSSMA Classroom Extension

The OSSMA Classroom Extension project was brought to us through a local contractor, Sandycroft Construction, who had been appointed by Stoke City Council to design and construct two extensions to an existing mixed secondary school. The first extension was located at the second-floor level, built on top of the existing school roof. This extension created two additional classrooms and included a new corridor access. A bridged link from this extension provided direct access to the second part of the project, which consisted of a further extension to provide seven new classrooms over three floors, including five standard classrooms and two science classrooms.

Ellis Hillman Architects were responsible for submitting the planning application, discharging relevant planning conditions, and undertaking the detailed technical design for the project. We were appointed under a JCT Design and Build Contract, ensuring we provided full architectural support throughout the project’s development.

The building structure was steel-framed, featuring steel and concrete deck flooring, with an in-situ concrete floor slab providing robust support for the structure. The exterior of the ground floor was finished with Staffordshire blue bricks, which were carefully selected to match the existing school’s aesthetic. Above the brickwork, insulated Kingspan cladding was used, supported by a steel frame system (SFS), which provided an efficient and insulated façade.

A key design challenge was the building’s proximity to the existing sports hall, so we included access from the existing school building via a second-floor bridged link. This link ensured a seamless connection between the new and old structures. To enhance the learning environment, each classroom was designed with floor-to-ceiling windows, which allow ample natural light and reduce the need for artificial lighting. The classrooms also featured openable louvred windows for natural ventilation.

To improve the circulation space, we incorporated a full-length roof light and light well that distributes natural light throughout the building, including the lower floors. This design approach helped to create a bright and airy environment for both students and staff, while also focusing on energy efficiency and sustainability.