General Introduction to Project
Denholm Primary School is the first new school within the Scottish Borders area to be built within the last eight years. The previous building had been destroyed by fire in 2006, with the pupils and staff decanted to temporary accommodation at St Margaret's Primary in Hawick. To minimise the potential disruption, the Council was under pressure to design and build the school within a short timeframe.
This project is included as a case study as a very unique project, given the short timeframe involved from the fire to the building opening, the distinct design which blends with the rural setting and the importance of the school at the heart of the local community. It is a building with architectural presence and status within a relatively small village community.
The school has five classes with capacity for 125 pupils. The current school roll is 76 and is expected to gradually rise over the next six years to a little fewer than 100 pupils.