Alessandro Caruso Architects Ltd (ACA) is proud to announce that the practice has been named Winner in the Educational Design (Built) category at the World Design Awards 2025 for the South Hunsley School Teaching Block, also known as the Ferriby Building.
The award recognises ACA’s thoughtful and human-centred approach to educational architecture, celebrating a project that combines strong contextual design, sustainability and wellbeing-focused principles.
Located within the South Hunsley School campus in East Yorkshire, the two-storey teaching block was designed to support contemporary teaching and learning through a calm, welcoming and flexible environment. The building accommodates a series of modern classrooms alongside reception, administrative and support spaces, all organised to promote clarity, accessibility and ease of movement.
Natural light, views to the surrounding landscape and a warm material palette play a key role in shaping the building’s character. Inspired by a tree house, timber cladding and carefully considered proportions help the new facility sit comfortably within its setting, while giving it a distinct and contemporary identity.
Sustainability was embedded from the outset, with the design prioritising energy efficiency, responsible material choices and passive environmental strategies. Internally, the layout and spatial quality were developed to support wellbeing, inclusivity and a variety of learning styles, from focused individual work to collaborative teaching.
Commenting on the award, Alex Caruso said:
“We are delighted to see the South Hunsley School Teaching Block recognised at the World Design Awards. This project reflects our belief that educational buildings should be uplifting, inclusive and deeply supportive of both students and staff. We’re grateful to the school and project team for their trust and collaboration throughout.”
The World Design Awards celebrate excellence in architecture and design worldwide, recognising projects that demonstrate innovation, social impact and design quality. This award marks a significant achievement for ACA and reinforces the practice’s commitment to delivering meaningful, people-focused architecture within the education sector.
Commenting on the Ferriby building, South Hunsley School head teacher Micheala Blackledge said:
“I hope the Ferriby Building stands for generations as a real beacon of what communities can do with strong partnerships and I am very grateful to everyone that made it possible. The stakeholders were committed to involving the students in the process and they had the opportunity to meet with Alex, who explained the process of designing the building and explained what it is like to be an architect”
ACA is a multidisciplinary architectural practice known for its expertise in healthcare, wellbeing and community design. With a vision centered on human experience, the firm has delivered transformative projects across the UK, pioneering evidence-based, sustainable, and compassionate design solutions.