A group of aspiring architects from Cheadle Hulme Sixth Form and Hazel Grove Sixth Form had a unique opportunity to step inside the construction site of the new Laurus Grace building for an afternoon of insight and inspiration.
Year 12 students enjoyed fascinating discussions with experts from Pozzoni – the firm behind the design of Laurus Grace – including Catherine Mulley, Director, and Paul Cummings, Architectural Technologist.
They were joined by Martyn Mancey-Johnson, Operations Director at the Laurus Trust, and Jake Martin, Project Manager for Tilbury Douglas, who facilitated a building tour and introduced the students to the project.
During the visit, the students learned about the building’s journey – from concept and design to installation – and discovered just how many specialists contribute to creating a new school. Laurus Grace has been designed with innovative principles to create inclusive spaces, and the students explored how these ideas translate into practice through topics such as:
- The importance of colour sensitivity schemes and how spatial layouts are chosen to create inclusive learning environments
- Sustainability and carbon-zero construction principles shaping modern educational buildings
- How environmental impact assessments influence design decisions
Catherine Mulley, Director at Pozzoni, said:
“It’s always rewarding to share the creative and technical journey behind a project like Laurus Grace. These students represent the future of our profession.”
Laurus Trust schools and Sixth Forms are committed to creating opportunities that spark ambition and connect classroom learning to real-world careers – helping every student see what’s possible.
This experience was invaluable for students as they prepare for university applications, giving them a deeper understanding of what goes into designing educational spaces that inspire learning.