Teaching Pods, Leeds East Academy

E-ACT Leeds East Academy required a modern educational environment that could provide high-quality teaching spaces while delivering significant cost and programme efficiencies compared to traditional school construction methods.

Client Brief

The project needed to support a range of learning activities, including teaching, arts, drama and music, while creating a flexible environment capable of adapting to future educational needs.

Working with Interserve, Arup and Maber Architects, the brief called for an innovative modular solution that would reduce construction costs and programme duration, maximise natural light, improve acoustic performance and create a sustainable, future-proofed learning environment.

The Solution

Working collaboratively with Interserve, Arup and Maber Architects, we developed and delivered an innovative PodSolve solution based around flexible, stand-alone teaching pods. Designed as fully demountable modular units, the pods can be expanded, reduced or reconfigured throughout their lifecycle, allowing the learning environment to evolve alongside changing educational requirements.

The design focused heavily on creating comfortable, high-performing teaching spaces. In partnership with Arup's acoustic specialists, we developed bespoke wall panels incorporating perforated surfaces and high-density acoustic insulation to reduce noise transfer and improve classroom acoustics. Natural ventilation, high levels of daylight, excellent thermal performance and integrated building services were all incorporated within the pod design.

Manufactured off-site with integrated power, data and lighting systems, the pods were delivered using a plug-and-play approach that reduced installation time and site disruption. The resulting solution reduced project costs from an estimated £19 million to £13.65 million and shortened delivery from 80 weeks to 60 weeks, creating an adaptable, sustainable and cost-effective educational facility for future generations.