East Calder Primary School

East Calder Primary School is a newly developed two-stream tandem build on the site of the existing end-of-life school. As a LEIP (Learning Estate Investment Programme) funded development for West Lothian Council with Hub South East Scotland, the vision was to create a high-quality learning environment with energy performance levels directly comparable to Passive House standards.

Designed to create a unique and sustainable education facility, this state-of-the-art primary school seamlessly integrates flexible collaborative and individual workspaces with outdoor play and learning spaces. The intriguing and striking triangular form is a great example of a low energy, holistic design that is derived specifically from its own particular place.

Occupying the generally flat northern portion of the site, the building is entered at its taller south-western corner before slowly revealing the complex blend of interconnected spaces within. The thoughtful manipulation of scale, light and form provided by the design are all important factors in creating exciting, site-specific architecture which brings tangible joy to all its users, especially the 462 pupils.

The triangular shape of the building enhances thermal efficiency and reduces heat loss by providing a highly efficient form factor with a higher-performing surface-to-volume ratio. This form factor also allowed the use of double glazed, rather than triple glazed windows, further adding to the reduction in the building’s overall carbon footprint. The building’s roof drains to one gutter, minimizing maintenance and simplifying the site drainage strategy as well.

The overall design of the school is compact, memorable and dynamic, offering a strong yet welcoming civic presence and a rich, interconnected interior which generates and reinforces a very powerful sense of a fully inclusive school community. Inside, the spaces are genuinely interesting and punctuated with natural light. Accessibility and sustainability were key commitments throughout construction, which was carried out while the existing school remained operational until the new facility was completed.