The Pods in Scunthorpe is a unique project using construction techniques never before used in a major leisure development.

Main Contractor Bowmer & Kirkland started the construction of the Sports Academy in Scunthorpe as part of an initiative by North Lincolnshire Council to kick-start the regeneration of the town. The £26m development incorporates timber framed pods covered with natural sedum roofs which provide the building with insulation and reduce excess rainwater runoff. The timber framed pods are supported by an engineered timber glulam frame which comprises hundreds of interlinked cassettes. In addition to this the roofing also reduces the load on local drainage systems as well as helping the building to blend into the neighbouring green environment.

The project aim was to reinvigorate the area, providing high quality leisure facilities and act as a focal point for recreation, sport and leisure in Scunthorpe. The academy comprises a 25 metre swimming pool and separate training pool, state-of-the-art gym, dance studio and six court sports hall.

The innovative design of the timber-framed pods is not only visually striking, but incredibly eco-friendly – saving 521.65 tonnes of carbon emissions- just one of the examples of sustainability. Another is the biomass boiler and grey water recycling plant to feed the green roofs and the WC flushing system in the pods. The building was designed to achieve a BREEAM rating of Excellent.

North Lincolnshire Sports Academy is the latest addition to a large number of sustainable buildings constructed by Bowmer & Kirkland in recent years with the company receiving Very Good or Excellent BREEAM ratings on a number of projects.