Harris Academy redevelopment plans submitted
March 11 2013
Replacing an existing B-listed building dating from 1926 designed by Thoms and Wilkie, which will be demolished subject to a parallel application for Listed Building Consent, the new school has been developed in close collaboration with Dundee City Council.
Incorporating a series of flexible and adaptable teaching spaces and appears externally as a restrained contemporary block with a simple window design set within deep brickwork to provide depth to the façade.
Articulated precast panels are employed to denote key entrance points with large glass panels used to maximise daylighting.
A central multi-level teaching space forms the heart of the school
Robertson Construction is expected to commence toward the end of 2013.
Teaching, administration and community facilities radiate out from a central hall
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5 Comments
#1 Posted by Davey on 11 Mar 2013 at 15:43 PM
Is it just me that thinks Holmes Miller are putting out some nice projects at the moment.
#2 Posted by Mac Mac on 11 Mar 2013 at 16:47 PM
'Nice' errrr, the facade to Perth Road is rather bland compared to the existing building. Considering the heritage of Harris Academy the main facade is somewhat disappointing and could be anywhere, total lack of context. The public consultation carried out was a total waste of time as no amendments have been made despite all the comments made. I agree internally there are some interesting spaces and the use of the main staircase as an auditorium come assembly hall make sense for the site topography, but really, the facade to Perth Road will look like a shite office building in 10 years time!! Grove Academy does not look great after only 3 years or so.....
It's a C+, room for improvement with more contextual and heritage references needed.
It's a C+, room for improvement with more contextual and heritage references needed.
#3 Posted by Harry McHarris on 11 Mar 2013 at 17:31 PM
Looks great to me MacMac, and I don't know why you're comparing with Grove, which was white render and facing blockwork, cill height windows, when this looks like brickwork and precast panels, and full height windows. Architecturally entirely different too.
Why must architects always need 'heritage references' too? Are we too frightened and stiff to look forwards instead of backwards? I personally think an entirely modern facade will work very well in this sensitive location.
Well done Holmes Miller.
Why must architects always need 'heritage references' too? Are we too frightened and stiff to look forwards instead of backwards? I personally think an entirely modern facade will work very well in this sensitive location.
Well done Holmes Miller.
#4 Posted by Richy Rich on 12 Mar 2013 at 08:56 AM
A very well considered design. Well done indeed.
#5 Posted by Amy Gardiner on 5 Jun 2013 at 21:22 PM
The design is great. However it seems rather impractical. I am an ex pupil when i was in S1 a window in a main hallway was broken i left in S5 the window was still broken. Its a school with 12-18 year olds that will test it to its limits.
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