MODULAR building specialist Portakabin (Scotland) has completed a carbon neutral nursery project in Ayr.
The firm was awarded the South Ayrshire Council project just before lockdown and delivered the completed nursery at Forehill Primary School in just 11 months from award to handover.
The initiative is part of the Scottish Government’s 1,140 hours programme to provide free nursery places to children aged 2-5, building on the Cherry Tree Nursery project Portakabin previously delivered for the local authority.
Pauline Bradley, service lead, professional design services at South Ayrshire Council, said, “The new centre is extremely energy efficient and utilises air source heat pumps and photo-voltaic roof panels. These measures, combined with a highly insulated fabric and careful orientation, have resulted in a carbon neutral building which South Ayrshire Council are extremely proud of.”
Rory Robertson, divisional MD of Portakabin (Scotland), added, “It was a real coup to secure this second contract with South Ayrshire Council and we were delighted to be able to work with them to ensure every aspect of the project, from design to manufacturing, was completely carbon neutral and delivered on time and on budget despite the challenge of lockdown.”
The £2.3 million Forehill project saw Portakabin install 18 modules overall, creating a 760m² permanent building. The team completed all planning and building warrant approvals to foundations, services and external play areas and provided specialist mechanical and engineering systems.
Portakabin worked with South Ayrshire Council’s Early Years and Professional Design Services teams, EDP Scotland, McGregor McMahn Consulting Engineers, Ace Contracts Scotland and the R&A Group.
