Gathering Under the Canopy: Cardinal Newman’s Architectural Outdoor Classroom
Client
Cardinal Newman Catholic School
Location
Pontypridd, Wales
Project
Large-Scale Bespoke Fire Pit Shelter and Outdoor Classroom
Overview
Following the installation of a bespoke firepit shelter several years before, Cardinal Newman Catholic School approached us for a new project. They needed a structure far larger than a standard classroom to safely house full year groups around an open flame. So we delivered a significant landmark – a space for reflection, community gathering, and authentic outdoor learning. We engineered a massive, 8.2m x 7.7m bespoke timber sanctuary that provides a professional-grade environment for storytelling, liturgy, and bushcraft. The installation provides a seamless transition from the classroom to the outdoors, giving the school a year-round “sanctuary” that is as functional during a rainy morning in Pontypridd as it is during an evening community vigil.
“Such a great shelter, ours still looks fantastic in its 4th year. Can’t recommended Precision Timber enough.”
Neil Perkins, Assistant Head of School, Newman Catholic School
We prioritize sustainably sourced timber and handcrafted joinery over “disposable” modular units. This “built-to-last” approach ensures schools receive a high-quality, low-maintenance asset that remains structurally sound for a generation of students. Schools trust us to deliver a sustainable legacy that weathers beautifully into the landscape while maximising long-term capital investment.
