Archial, one of the country’s largest architectural practices, has picked up the award for Building of the Year at the Edinburgh Architectural Association (EAA) Awards.

Twenty four entries were submitted this year and 12 short-listed projects were visited by the judging panel in February. The award, which was presented at a drinks reception at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh recently, was given for the design of Kingsland Primary School, in Peebles, for Scottish Borders Council.

The £8.5 million Kingsland Primary School accommodates more than 400 staff and pupils and contains 14 classrooms and a nursery. It is sensitively located on a prominent gateway site on the outskirts of Peebles, sitting into the side of a hill located above the River Tweed. Extensive use is made of incorporating both indoor and outdoor spaces into the design: the completed building provides a stimulating environment for teachers and pupils that noticeably enhances learning and well-being.

-- Advertisement --

Mark Fresson, Director at Archial, said: "We’re delighted with this award. When it comes to schools, the architectural profession is often guilty of repeating mistakes made by the Victorians; some schools are still designed with windows which are placed so that younger pupils simply cannot see out.

"Kingsland, in contrast, benefits from full-height glazing so pupils can enjoy the connection with the outside world. In keeping with this ethos, the building, where possible, is domestic in scale and height, creating an environment that is not intimidating to small children."

Head Teacher of Kingsland primary School, Jacqueline Wilson, commented: "We are absolutely delighted with this award. Kingsland provides pupils and staff with a bright, airy working environment. All classrooms and work spaces have floor to ceiling windows with beautiful views of the surrounding area. This is a stimulus for all aspects of the curriculum, particularly written work where there is an immediate stimulus for personal descriptive writing. As children can see colour around them as well as tones of light and shade, the possibilities for artwork are numerous. Watching the changing seasons is a crucial part of the primary school curriculum.

"The range of teaching spaces caters for the development of all children with a range of needs. The sense of light and space adds to the calm ethos of the school which is regularly commented on. The school has a good reputation within the community and now has a building to match that.

"Attainment and achievement in the school has been enhanced as all of the stakeholders have pride and confidence in this 21st century building."

Robert Black of EAA said: "Yet again, there was an extremely high standard of entries, despite the difficult times for the construction industry. It was a real pleasure to visit buildings with such a high level of design that are clearly enjoyed and appreciated by owners and users."

(GK)