ENERGY IN EDUCATION


Edinburgh Passivhaus project is a class act


A primary school extension has been awarded Passivhaus certification, plus three prestigious industry accolades for its energy-efficient design.


A


Passivhaus-designed extension to an Edinburgh school has been officially recognised as a first of its kind in the city, receiving


recognition for its novel use of energy- efficient design and materials, including cross-laminated timber (CLT). The extension to Sciennes Primary School has officially achieved Passivhaus certification from the Passivhaus Institute, following quality checks of the £3.2million two-storey extension to the building. The project has also been honoured with


three prestigious industry awards, receiving the ‘Large Scale Project award’ from the Edinburgh Architectural Association, ‘Innovation in Delivering a Sustainable Learning Space’ award at the Learning Places Scotland Awards, and the Glasgow Institute of Architects award for Education.


New classrooms The City of Edinburgh Council sought to replace the outdated temporary


Sciennes Primary School’s new Passivhaus-certified extension sets a benchmark for sustainable school design in Edinburgh. Classrooms in the school provide a bright, airy, and energy-efficient learning environment.


classrooms at the school with state- of-the-art facilities to accommodate future pupil enrolment. Emphasising environmental sustainability, the new


cool in warmer weather. The structural solution was delivered


by leading structural engineering practice, Will Rudd, in collaboration with the contractor, Maxi Construction. Work was completed by August 2023. Since then, the project team has been working with the Institute and certifiers to quality check the completed building, culminating in it being officially certified in December last year.


pavilion boasts a minimal carbon footprint and houses four new classroom spaces. The new pavilion was designed by


architects Holmes Miller, in collaboration with sustainable environmental design consultant, Sussed Sustainability, and constructed to Passivhaus standards, meaning energy consumption and carbon emissions will be reduced by retaining heat in winter while still being comfortably


Airtight solution Adhering to Passivhaus standards, the Sciennes Primary School extension is the first in Scotland to be constructed from cross-laminated timber (CLT) – an energy efficient material which contributes to a warm interior environment and delivers exceptional airtightness performance. “Passivhaus certification for Sciennes Primary School highlights the rigorous construction quality and collaboration behind the project,” says Matt Bridgestock, director at Sussed Sustainability. “This ensures a healthy, comfortable, and inspiring learning environment for children while setting a new standard for energy- efficient schools. It proves that Scotland’s construction industry can deliver radically better buildings with the right approach.”


Clara Garriga, project director at Holmes Miller, adds: “Sciennes Primary is a testament to what can be achieved through open-minded collaboration and a passion for good architecture with people at its heart. Combining sustainable design with an understanding of the needs of young learners, we worked closely with our partners to deliver a unique learning facility where pupils can thrive.” ■


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Upper


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Hot Water Out Temperature Sensor


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Balanced Cold Water Out Meter


Cold Water In Meter


COLD OUT METER COLD IN METER


Cold Water In Temperature Sensor


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Pressure Reducing Valve


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SMART Tank Water heating control 25


TOP PROBE BOTTOM PROBE


Load supplies Loom 1


RETURN


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