Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Top award for school design
A “striking” new primary school in Airdrie has won a national industry award for its most distinctive building feature.
Hilltop Primary in Petersburn was named as the country’s best new-build project at the inaugural UK facade awards run by trade publication Roofing, Cladding and Insulation (RCI) magazine.
The £17.3 million school earned particular praise for its prominent rounded “drum” section near the entrance, which houses its distinctive circular assembly and gym hall.
Judges said: “This project has a unique frontage that creates a strong and architecturally diverse structure. It follows the modern school design and has been very well executed.”
Opened in May 2019 following the merger of Dunrobin and Petersburn primaries, Hilltop was chosen as the winner in its category ahead of six other finalists from across the UK.
The drum’s distinct rounded front was created using copper-effect Parklex cladding, which was specified by Glasgow-based Reid Roof and supplied by Cumbernauld-based Vivalda – with the firms being jointly named as winners at the virtual ceremony.
Vivalda sales manager Yvonne Campbell said: “This was a technically challenging project, given that the sustainable wood cladding was curved on-site to create such a stunning effect.
“Credit should go to Reid Roof who developed the solution using aluminium to construct a ‘mould’ which was used to shape the cladding.”
RCI magazine editor Nichola Farrugia said: “The facade awards were created to showcase the successful partnerships between manufacturers, suppliers and contractors, and the commitment to quality by the delivery teams who carry out the work.”
The new Hilltop Primary, which has a capacity of 484 pupils and includes a nursery and language and communication support centre, was constructed on a site beside the former Dunrobin building.
Head teacher Tina Donnelly told the Advertiser on its opening day: “It’s wonderful, really state-of-the-art, and we’re very privileged to be awarded such great facilities – the building is extremely impressive and we’re lucky to be part of that.”