South Hunsley Ferriby Building Wins World Design Award 2025: Celebrating Collaborative Excellence
Helix CMS is proud to celebrate the success of our design partner, Alessandro Caruso Architects (ACA), who have won a World Design Award 2025 for the South Hunsley School Ferriby Building. A project delivered in close partnership with Helix CMS and The Education Alliance Trust.
This award recognises outstanding architectural design, innovation in education environments, and meaningful collaboration between design and delivery teams. For Helix, it represents far more than a beautifully crafted building, it reflects the power of partnership and shared purpose in shaping the future of education across the Humber region.
A Vision Built for the Future of Learning
The Ferriby Building was conceived to provide South Hunsley School with a modern, sustainable, and inclusive teaching facility capable of meeting the evolving needs of students and staff for years to come.
Designed by ACA and constructed by Helix CMS, the two-storey development offers:
Eight state-of-the-art classrooms, purposefully designed to maximise natural light and ventilation
Inclusive learning environments aligned with Building Bulletin 104 (SEND & SEMH)
Wide circulation spaces, level thresholds and clear sightlines for safe and intuitive navigation
Energy-efficient materials and systems, including PV panels, optimised glazing, and a highly insulated thermal envelope
Biophilic features, retaining existing trees and integrating natural materials to promote wellbeing
This award-winning facility is already making a measurable impact on the school community, enhancing learning, accessibility, and environmental performance.
A Project Defined by Partnership
The World Design Award 2025 is a testament to the collaborative spirit that shaped this building from concept to completion.
At Helix CMS, partnership is one of our core values. We work closely with clients, architects, and stakeholders to deliver spaces with purpose, and the Ferriby Building is a standout example of this approach in action.
“This project represents what can be achieved through true collaboration. Working alongside ACA and TEAL, we’ve created an education facility that supports wellbeing, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability. We’re incredibly proud to have played our part.”
— Mark Pearson, Construction Director, Helix CMS
Alessandro Caruso, Principal Architect, also shared his pride in the achievement:
“This award is a fantastic recognition of a project that brought together great collaboration and shared values. The Ferriby Building futureproofs education at South Hunsley while keeping sustainability and wellbeing at its heart.”
Delivering Sustainable, Conscious Construction
Sustainability was central to the Ferriby Building’s design and delivery. Key features include:
A fabric-first approach to minimise energy loss
PV solar array to harness renewable energy
Air-tight thermal envelope with optimised window ratios
Low-waste construction methods, including off-site steel framing
Tree retention and new planting, enhancing biodiversity
This project reflects our ongoing commitment to conscious construction and responsible building practices that benefit both people and the planet.
A Milestone for Education in the Humber Region
The South Hunsley Ferriby Building stands out as a landmark development for the Humber region, which strengthens local infrastructure and supports the next generation of learners.
This World Design Award 2025 is a proud moment for the entire project team, and a testament to what can be achieved when collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose come together.
Explore the project here. Want to learn more about the Ferriby Building and other recent education projects? Get in touch with the team.