BLACKRIDGE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Location: Blackridge, West Lothian

Client: West Lothian Council

Programme: Current Project

This project for the alteration and extension of an existing primary school building in West Lothian will provide a new purpose-built gym hall with associated changing facilities as well as a new entrance hall and school office.

Located on a steeply-sloping site, the existing single-storey school is spread across a number of different connected buildings with various internal floor levels. The main entrance to the school is at the top of an external flight of steps, and with no lift, access around the building is difficult.

The proposed extension and alterations will provide an attractive new public face to the school as well as rationalise internal circulation. By altering internal floor levels and creating a welcoming new entrance hall leading to re-organised internal stairs and a new lift, level access will now be provided throughout the building.

The gym hall will sit next to the new entrance hall helping to create a more attractive route to the school for pupils, parents and visitors. Fully naturally-ventilated with high-level automatically controlled windows, the hall will also have a large corner glazed screen to ensure good daylight as well as offering expansive views to the south. Bespoke sun-shading and internal black-out blinds ensure that the gym hall can be used for school assemblies and community activities.