Norse Group is proud to have been recognised at this year’s RIBA Norfolk Design & Craftsmanship Awards, winning the Non-Residential category for the expansion of Hethersett Academy (H Block).
Held at the Sainsbury Centre in Norwich on 13 November, the event saw Crysta Pestano, Associate Director (Architectural Services), and Jonathan Secker, Chartered Architect, accept the award on behalf of the organisation.
This recognition highlights not only the quality of the design and delivery but also the positive, long-term impact that well-considered educational environments can have on the people who use them. It reflects the dedication of our multi-disciplinary teams, our partnership with client Norfolk County Council Children’s Services, and our close collaboration with contractors Pentaco Construction, all working together to create spaces that genuinely enrich the local community.
The commission for the H Block followed the success of G Block, the first phase of the Academy’s growth in enrolment completed in 2020. The first phase standalone building included 17 classrooms, specialist practical art spaces, a digital media suite, a photography dark room, and a large performance hall with retractable seating for around 200 pupils. High demand for secondary pupil places at this outstanding school led to a second expansion, the H Block, which included eight more classrooms, DT and ICT specialist teaching and a new dining hall to allowing sit-down eating for every student and the now much larger school. Together, these two consecutive projects have reshaped the campus, creating a vibrant social and learning hub at the heart of the school.
The impact has been transformative. The new dining hall and landscaped terraces provide seating for over 500 students, enabling sit-down meals and reducing congestion during lunchtimes. Staff and students alike have praised the building for creating a welcoming environment that encourages social interaction and supports wellbeing.
Sustainability was a key driver in the design, with features such as air-source heat pumps, rooftop solar panels, and a fabric-first approach ensuring energy efficiency and comfort. The project also introduced an all-electric kitchen, reducing waste and supporting environmentally responsible practices.
Tom Hilton, Assistant Principal noted:
“This new block has created a central hub for our school and naturally brings the campus together as a cohesive space.”
Principal Jane Diver summed up the school’s pride in the achievement:
“The new building is amazing, and we are very pleased, especially with the dining hall. Thank you to all involved.”
This award reflects the strength of partnership working and the shared ambition behind the Hethersett Academy expansion. It celebrates the expertise across Norse Group, from architecture and interiors to project management and engineering, and the commitment of everyone involved in creating a space that supports teachers, inspires young people, and strengthens the wider community. It is an achievement we are truly proud of, and one that highlights the power of thoughtful design in shaping brighter futures.
Read more about the expansion of Hethersett Academy (H Block)
