October 18 2023

An Edinburgh school is building upon the success of a new physical education department with the submission of plans for a full refurbishment and Passivhaus extension.

Trinity Academy in the Victoria Park conservation area of the city has again enlisted the services of Holmes Miller to realise the redevelopment, centred on the retained and refurbished original red sandstone building dating from 1894.

The approach will see later extensions and additions demolished to make way for a four-storey new-build addition, a delicate operation which must be carried out while the school remains open for teaching. Additional classrooms will be arrayed around a central hall opening onto the Victorian building to tie the new and old schools together. A social and teaching focal point the 'heart' space will link to the front reception by a 'learning stair'.

Ryan Holmes, director at Holmes Miller said: City of Edinburgh Council asked us to create a design that would ensure Trinity Academy’s facilities were fit for the 21st Century and that would provide an inspirational learning environment for pupils. Alongside the existing Victorian building, the new extension will do just that, while creating a strong civic presence that is sensitive to the surrounding Victoria Park conservation area.”

Learning opportunities extend to the landscaped grounds which include social spaces, an amphitheatre, a growing space, an outdoor gym and a wellbeing garden.

John Burns, associate at Holmes Miller added: “Building on the successful completion of Trinity Academy’s Sports Campus last year, these new plans offer a modern, exciting, and energy-efficient facility for pupils, staff and the wider community around Trinity. Building on this existing relationship with the school and community through ongoing engagement offers a unique opportunity to create a sense of place and new identity, which is an exciting prospect.”

Edinburgh first embraced the Passivhaus standard for its school estate at Sciennes Primary with work already underway on a low-carbon replacement for Currie High School.

2 Comments

#1 Posted by Graeme McCormick on 18 Oct 2023 at 10:59 AM

This looks hopeful!

#2 Posted by D to the R on 20 Oct 2023 at 19:32 PM

Interior shot looks great.

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