The contractor claims it can cut the cost and time of school construction by a quarter using a new modular steel frame class room kit called PodSolve.

The system is being used for the first time at the Leeds East Academy where the firm hopes to bring the school in well below the £19m budget at just £13.6m.

Interserve said the new approach will cuts 20 weeks from the Leeds academy construction schedule.

PodSolve comprises a series of steel-framed rooms or classrooms that can be easily fitted together and has been developed in a partnership between Interserve, Maber architects, Norwood and Arup.

Classroom spec

Pods are manufactured from a composite material within a rigid steel frame.

These materials and toughened glass greatly reduce noise and allow for enhanced ‘passive supervision’, ensuring the built environment is as conducive to learning as possible.

The flexible building style allows for sections of the school to be separated from others, allowing the local community controlled access to facilities.

Pods can be fitted in with more traditional construction, as is the case in the Leeds East Academy where the assembly hall, science laboratories and a gym are a traditional design.

Each pod can be moved, added or removed in just five days to cater for changing school requirements.