Maidenhill Primary School & Nursery / BDP

Maidenhill Primary School & Nursery  / BDP - Exterior Photography, FacadeMaidenhill Primary School & Nursery  / BDP - Interior Photography, Glass, StairsMaidenhill Primary School & Nursery  / BDP - Interior PhotographyMaidenhill Primary School & Nursery  / BDP - Exterior Photography, FacadeMaidenhill Primary School & Nursery  / BDP - More Images+ 14

  • Design Team: BDP
  • Clients: East Renfrewshire Council
  • Engineering: Civil & Structure- Blyth & Blyth, Mechanical & Electrical - TUV SUD
  • City: Newton Mearns
  • Country: United Kingdom
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Maidenhill Primary School & Nursery  / BDP - Exterior Photography, Facade
© David Barbour

Text description provided by the architects. The project forms part of the new Maidenhill development at Newton Mearns, southwest of Glasgow. A completely new neighbourhood, comprising more than 800 homes, is being created with the new two stream primary school and early years facility sitting at the heart of the masterplan.

Maidenhill Primary School & Nursery  / BDP - Interior Photography
© David Barbour
Maidenhill Primary School & Nursery  / BDP - Image 17 of 19
Level 00
Maidenhill Primary School & Nursery  / BDP - Interior Photography
© David Barbour

 The unusual condition of school being built in parallel with neighbouring houses has given us an opportunity to design not only a new learning centre,but also create a focus for the new community. A “green spine” runs through the development, connecting the new dwellings to a central landscaped pathway which feeds into the school.

Maidenhill Primary School & Nursery  / BDP - Interior Photography, Glass, Stairs
© David Barbour

Our design focuses on providing spaces which encourage children’s curiosity and create a learning landscape enriched with ‘play’ elements and natural forms.

Maidenhill Primary School & Nursery  / BDP - Interior Photography
© David Barbour

The school is organised around a central atrium ‘heart’ space, which contains a wealth of interactivity including science, performance, music, technology, library, art, storytelling and play. The Science & Technology zone plays a key role in encouraging children to interact with their environment through STEM related subjects. This learning lab is fitted with curiosity cabinets, modular furniture and smart screen technology whichenables active pupil collaboration throughout the school grounds. The Building Management System combined with exposed services within the lab enable children to learn about the operation and energy footprint of the building. 

Maidenhill Primary School & Nursery  / BDP - Image 19 of 19
Sketch

 The central ‘heartspace’ is shaped around flexible learning scenarios ranging from cosy ‘‘wall pocket’’ snugs and “birdhouse” hideaway for individual and paired learning, through to larger auditorium type spaces for group work. An internal climbing wall or “Maidenhill” provides scope for high energy activity.

Maidenhill Primary School & Nursery  / BDP - Interior Photography
© David Barbour

 The nursery, circular in form and filled with natural light, is designed around a central ‘treehouse’ storytelling snug that’s elevated above the central dining and performance space. The theme of nature permeates throughout the school and is reflected in furniture, materials, shapes, colours and graphics.

Maidenhill Primary School & Nursery  / BDP - Interior Photography, Stairs, Handrail
© David Barbour

This ‘learning landscape’ continues the theme beyond the building where the design of the outdoor spaces integrate the concept of ‘natural play’. This environment encourages children to engage with the four essential life elements; earth, air, fire and water. The main playground contains a water pump and weirs, play tunnels, bouldering wall, mud kitchen and fire pit as well as a tiered outdoor teaching and social space.  This wooden structure contains storage for tools and materials provided by the contractor for building dens, ‘nooks’ and other creatures of a child’s imagination.

Maidenhill Primary School & Nursery  / BDP - Interior Photography, Stairs, Chair
© David Barbour

The School Achieved Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating A (most efficient). The roof of the school contains over 400sqm of Solar Panels. Low energy emittance lights and low water use fittings are applied throughout the school. A sedum roof covers the early years building and the low level storage units in the playground are covered with sedum plants. 

Maidenhill Primary School & Nursery  / BDP - Interior Photography, Table, Chair
© David Barbour

The landscape design embraces a sustainable approach to play. A growing garden for food production has been created. Water harvesting is used in the water play areas of the playground and is used as a learning tool for the children.  

Maidenhill Primary School & Nursery  / BDP - Interior Photography
© David Barbour

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Project location

Address:Newton Mearns, Glasgow G77, United Kingdom

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Maidenhill Primary School & Nursery / BDP" 29 Mar 2020. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/935513/maidenhill-primary-school-and-nursery-bdp> ISSN 0719-8884

© David Barbour

梅登希尔小学与幼儿园,树屋式的儿童空间 / BDP

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