Even Sorgjerd, director at Will Rudd Edinburgh, discusses the challenges of providing new education buildings in Scotland’s capital city
AS Edinburgh continues to grow and evolve, so too must its educational infrastructure. The rapid development of new housing projects in areas like Granton, Gilmerton and South Queensferry highlights a pressing need for new schools to accommodate families moving into these vibrant communities. As director of Will Rudd Edinburgh, I am acutely aware of the challenges and opportunities this presents. Our mission is to not only meet the demand for new educational facilities but to create schools that serve as integral, multifaceted hubs within their neighbourhoods, all with reduced budgets.
The role of schools in thriving communities
Primary and secondary schools are more than just places of learning; they are the heart of their communities. They provide a sense of identity and belonging, fostering connections among students, parents, and educators. With the concept of ‘Local Living’ neighbourhoods gaining traction, it is essential that new schools are designed to be easily accessible and integrated into the fabric of the community. This approach ensures that all residents can benefit from the services and amenities that schools provide, from libraries and community centres to health and safety services.
The case for new schools vs. retrofitting existing buildings
One of the critical discussions in the realm of educational infrastructure is whether to build new schools from scratch or retrofit existing buildings. While refurbishing older buildings has significant advantages, such as limiting the embodies carbon investment required, it is becoming increasingly clear that this approach may not be sufficient in all cases. The way school buildings are now being used – as integrated community hubs – requires designs that can accommodate a range of functions and services. Retrofitting existing structures often involves significant compromises, whereas new builds can be purpose-designed to meet the specific needs of modern educational environments.
The housing crisis in Scotland is a significant driving factor for new schools. New large-scale housing developments springing up across Edinburgh means the demand for educational facilities never been higher. However, this issue cannot be viewed in isolation. Building 300 homes in a development without planning for new schools is counterproductive and places undue pressure on existing schools that are already at or exceeding capacity. Schools must be intrinsically linked to major housing projects, ensuring that new developments are equipped with the necessary educational infrastructure from the outset.
Learning from past projects
At Will Rudd, we have a proven track record of delivering successful education projects. Our previous work on Canaan Lane and Frogston primary schools, two projects located in distinctly different urban settings, exemplifies our commitment to creating high-quality educational facilities that serve the needs of growing communities.
The original Frogston Primary was designed and completed by WRD in 2021 for the City of Edinburgh Council. In 2023, we were reappointed to design and deliver an extension of six additional classrooms, with completion expected later in 2025. We are working with a fantastic delivery team, including Atkins Realis, architect Holmes Miller and The Blackwood Partnership. The new extension will share sustainability design credentials with the wider building, with an increased level of energy efficiency – a direct learning from Will Rudd’s experience with other education buildings.
Canaan Lane Primary opened in 2022 to help ease overcrowding in the neighbouring South Morningside Primary. Catering to over 460 pupils and offering nursery places, the school combines a new-build facility housing the nursery and the majority of primary school facilities. A refurbishment of the existing Deanbank House, which dates back to 1913, accommodates six primary school classrooms and associated spaces.
Will Rudd provided civil and structural engineering services for the project and worked closely with architects Holmes Miller and M&E consultants Blackwood Partnership to create the strikingly modern school environment, which sits within the conservation area and has sustainability at its core.
Sustainability was a critical element to the entire project and City of Edinburgh Council was very clear that this should be an area of particular focus. Using our expertise, we worked closely with the wider project team to ensure the new Canaan Primary School could excel in its commitment to sustainability and fit seamlessly into the wider environment where it’s located.
Conversely, and while it won’t fit everywhere, retrofit played a critical role in in the creation of the new Canaan Lane Primary. By retaining and refurbishing the existing Deanbank House, we were immediately able to reduce our impact on the surrounding area and minimise the amount of embodied carbon in the project. Of course, the building needed to be improved from an energy efficiency perspective but by maintaining and retrofitting we were able to reduce the energy required to both demolish and construct new facilities.
Incorporating insights from Norway
As a Norwegian, I bring a unique perspective to the table, drawing on the innovative approaches to education building seen in my home country. Norway’s emphasis on sustainability, flexibility, and community integration provides valuable lessons that can be applied to Scotland’s education projects. For instance, incorporating eco-friendly designs and materials, creating adaptable learning environments, and ensuring that schools are central to their communities are all strategies that can enhance the effectiveness and longevity of our educational infrastructure. Our work to design the award-winning Passivhaus extension to Sciennes Primary School in Marchmont is a crucial step forward and also demonstrates the specific insight and expertise we can bring to education projects.
What next?
We know that the City of Edinburgh Council is committed to delivering new schools for the city and surrounding area. As we navigate the challenges of urban growth and the housing crisis, it is imperative that we adopt a forward-thinking approach to school design. By prioritising sustainability, community integration, and adaptability, we can create educational spaces that not only meet the current demand but also support the long-term development of vibrant, cohesive communities. Will Rudd is committed to leading the way in this endeavour, ensuring that our schools are at the forefront of innovation and excellence.
As Edinburgh embraces new housing developments, the creation of modern, sustainable, and community-focused schools will be key to fostering thriving neighbourhoods. With our expertise and dedication, Will Rudd aims to shape the future of education in Edinburgh, ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality learning environment that supports their growth and development. Together, we can build a brighter future for our city’s children and communities.
