St Sophia’s refurbishment to use innovative building practices

This exciting two year project will be designed and delivered in partnership with the Council’s appointed architects Hamson Barron Smith, who are leading exponents of the Passivhaus / EnerPHit benchmark performance standard.

The project aims to achieve some of the largest energy reductions in any school renovation to date by utilising the internationally recognised standard. The build, which is due on site in April 2022, will focus on increased building fabric efficiency, adhering strictly to rigorous design and construction principles, developed by the Passivhaus Institute in Germany.  This is a leading edge project in Scotland, which will help deliver the Council’s carbon reduction commitment.
 
Councillor Fiona Campbell, Cabinet Member for Skills and Learning said: “In June 2019​, a decision was taken at Cabinet to support the wishes of the St Sophia’s school community and to extensively refurbish the school.
 
“This very successful school, which sits right at the heart of the local community, will benefit from a significant programme of works. I am delighted that the design process is now underway and that our primary consultant, architects Hamson Barron Smith, are bringing their expertise to this project. Together with our team from Facilities and Property Management, they will ensure that the school is sustainable, flexible and economical to run, now and into the future.
 
“This innovative project will ensure that our young learners will have the opportunity to learn in an environment that matches the hopes and aspirations of the school community.”
 
Sarah Lewis, Associate Director at Hamson Barron Smith said: “Sustainability underpins everything we do – whether it’s our approach to design and consultancy, or the way we run our business. We work tirelessly with our ambitious clients who strive not only for excellence in architectural design, but to provide truly healthy, comfortable and energy-efficient buildings.”