Boroughmuir High School wins architectural awards

The new Boroughmuir High School was completed at the beginning of 2018 and pupils and teachers have now enjoyed their first full term in residence.

The building was designed by Allan Murray Architects and has now won two awards.

The Edinburgh Architectural Association named the school as their building of the year, and the new building won the RIAS Award 2018 and RIBA Award for Scotland 2018. The citation explains why :

“The judges were unanimous in their view that this was an exceptional project. Very impressive compact planning, allowing for large well-lit spaces. Excellent acoustic treatment and a very intelligent fire/smoke/ventilation strategy mean that both large multi-height atria are not enclosed by walls or screens. The plan and section are rational, legible and ordered. There is an excellent relationship between inside and out at both main levels, and the public realm has been beautifully handled.”

The former school building at Viewforth will be developed into residential units by Cala who have bought the site from the council at a reduced minimum price of £11.7m, a reduction of £3m on the original deal. The deal is still subject to planning permission and the builder has recently submitted new revised plans.