Global Academy approached Portakabin to engineer and build a new permanent 8,700m2 school within a year, which by 2020 would teach over 800 students every year. The building was designed in partnership with architects Surface to Air.

Built on the site of the Old Vinyl Factory, once the EMI headquarters, in Hayes in West London, the Global Academy is a school with a forward-thinking design which reflects its creative ethos.

Advanced offsite technology using the Yorkon Building System seamlessly integrated both modular and site-based building solutions.

The Global Academy has an iconic, futuristic design which has created an inspiring environment for learning. A spectacular roof-lit central atrium provides a dynamic circulation space and focal point for the college. There is a sculptural feature staircase and a high level of glazing to the classrooms. The colour pallet is bold and expressive with strong graphics. Anodised aluminium mesh cladding encloses the north and south elevations from first floor to roof level with areas of full height glazing around the ground floor.

This technically-complex building was designed to deliver specialist acoustic levels for the broadcast areas, with triple glazing and specially-engineered air conditioning.

Media and lighting were integrated into the highly glazed west façade which can be illuminated during live broadcasts from the building. Will Harding, Global Academy’s Chair of Governors said;

“The building makes a real impression on everyone, and the students and teachers very much enjoy the facilities. The design has created a fantastic learning environment for our students. Thanks to Portakabin, we achieved an ambitious building programme in less than a year.”