Penicuik High School

Client: Atkins Realis on behalf of Midlothian Council

Contractor: Morrison Construction Scotland – Central

Project value: £40m

Project team: Murat Papaker, Richard Mackenzie

A major redevelopment of Penicuik High School, part funded by Scottish Future Trust (SFT) LEIP, aims to transform an aging campus into a modern learning environment for 945 students – up from the current roll of 677.

The redevelopment seeks to re-use and retrofit the original B-listed 1930s school building, and other than the loss of a central gymnasium the original building will remain intact, joined by a new build extension.

The development focuses on sustainability, targeting compliance with the LEIP metrics required by the SFT. Measures include a highly insulated, airtight building envelope, energy-efficient heating and ventilation systems, and retrofit upgrades to the 1930s structure. These improvements support Midlothian Council’s Net Zero ambitions while ensuring comfort, air quality, and energy performance in line with national benchmarks.

The main aim of the expansion and refurbishment of Penicuik HS is to provide a refreshed environment for pupils with core accommodation expansion, including games, sports, dining, catering, and integrated complex needs provision. The faculty-based arrangement of spaces is aimed at fostering interdisciplinary learning and collaborative engagement. The design of social and open breakout zones will encourage collaboration for staff, pupils, and the community.

At the project’s earliest stages, RMP consultants provided Building Acoustics considerations to cover noise break in from external noise sources, external noise levels and early-stage building acoustics considerations based on concept plans. RMP conducted an initial noise survey to measure existing noise levels around the development site and estimate the potential external noise break-in through facades and impact on any external teaching areas. We also provided support to the design team during the Value Engineering stage.

Currently at RIBA Stage 4, RMP is working on the acoustic design strategy of the design to meet the requirements set in BB 93:2015. In addition to sound insulation considerations and control of reverberation times, the acoustic design strategy will include the control of external sound break-in, considerations for spaces containing music, noise in/from open plan teaching spaces and break-out spaces, as well as control of sound and vibration from building services.