DfE/MTC Sandpit Research

Building future schools through real-world research

A research-led demonstration building combining steel-framed modular construction with CLT panels — advancing the DfE’s GenZero platform strategy.

Located at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry and funded by the Construction Innovation Hub, this innovative demonstrator project builds on the prototype kit-of-parts developed for the Department for Education’s GenZero initiative. The Sandpit is designed as a real-world testbed, enabling new technologies, materials and off-site methods to be trialled, refined and evaluated in a controlled setting.

Developed in collaboration with the Construction Innovation Hub and MTC’s expert teams, the project sets out to improve build quality, speed, and environmental performance across future school buildings.

Construction workers installing a large wooden panel between two wooden walls, while a crane lifts it overhead on a construction site.

A Hybrid of Ideas, Materials and Methods

The Education Sandpit combines a new steel-framed volumetric module with a UK-sourced CLT (cross-laminated timber) panellised system. Together, these offer a hybrid construction approach that maximises pre-manufactured value while also demonstrating how robust, self-finished materials can support a low-maintenance, high-quality learning environment.

Working within a framework of platform design principles, the team analysed how modular and panellised systems could work together — offering flexibility without complexity, and reducing waste, disruption, and embodied carbon.

Designed for Interoperability and Learning

While the building acts as a demonstration space in its own right, it is also designed to host training, evaluation and cross-industry learning. The MTC’s Sandpit programme provides a collaborative setting in which contractors, manufacturers and suppliers can explore compatibility, performance, and repeatability — all essential for future-proofing public-sector construction.

A Built Prototype for Future Schools

The Sandpit is not just a construction experiment, but a step towards delivering standardised, flexible and sustainable learning environments. Its lessons will inform future iterations of the DfE’s platform school model — aiming to deliver better buildings for less, and with less impact on the planet.

Construction site with a large yellow crane lifting a wooden beam, partially built wooden structure, and orange safety barriers.
A hallway with a lime green wall, a sink with three soap dispensers, and multiple bathroom stalls. There is a large window at the end of the hallway letting in natural light.
Workers wearing orange safety vests and helmets are constructing a building with wooden and black exterior panels, with a crane on the right side lifting a large wooden panel, surrounded by orange safety barriers outdoors on a cloudy day.
Empty room with wooden walls and floors, large windows with a view of outdoor landscape, and exposed ceiling beams.

“We are proving through the sandpits that by using a manufacturing approach we can deliver outcomes that will – reduce cost, carbon and waste and increase productivity, value, speed, safety and quality”

Construction Innovation Hub

Quote…

Gray door surrounded by wooden panels in a room with bright green walls and ceiling.
Empty hallway with bright green walls, glass doors at the end, and a wooden frame under construction on the right side.
Architectural drawings of a building's west and east elevations with a 3D perspective view, showing exterior walls, doors, and roof details.
Architectural sketches of a building's north and south elevations and a floor plan showing a corridor, studio, bathrooms, and plant room.
Empty room with wooden walls, ceiling, and floor, illuminated by natural light from windows and door, with construction site outside.

The details

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Client:Department for Education / MTC
Location: Coventry
Completion: 2024
Building Type: Education / Research Prototype
Collaborators: Construction Innovation Hub, MTC

Photographs: LBY Architects

APPROACH & INFLUENCE

Design Approach: Platform-based hybrid construction (steel volumetric + CLT panels)

Key Influence: GenZero kit-of-parts, pre-manufactured value, sustainable innovation

LINKS

Construction Innovation Hub – Sandpit Case Study

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