The 14,000 sq m community-accessible Balfron High School is regarded as one of the most successful PFI projects in Scotland. The design of the school focuses around a large atrium space at the heart of the building that acts as a community focal point. Situated in this space, the main dining hall was awarded a design commendation from the Educational Establishment after completion of the school.
The design displayed a lot of sensitivity to the local environment – classroom wings progressively step-up the site to address the change in level.
The school also functions as an out-of-hours community centre, with sports facilities that include a top-of-the-range gym and fitness suite, 6-lane swimming pool, indoor games hall and 3 outdoor all-weather playing fields. The centre, fully compliant with Sports Scotland, is situated in a separate wing of the building, allowing the school to be closed off after hours. Among a range of new facilities, the school accommodates a new music department, performing arts stage and a drama studio. The site has provision for car-parking and bus drop-off.
DSSR was responsible for all mechanical and electrical services.
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Location
Balfron, Scotland
Client
Jarvis
Architect
BMJ
Contract Value
£14m
Completion
2002