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Harmeny achieve consent for forest glade learning hub

March 26 2021

Harmeny achieve consent for forest glade learning hub

An innovative £1.95m learning hub is to be built by the Harmeny Education Trust following planning approval for the competition-winning design.

Led by Loader Monteith Architects with SJM Architects the classrooms will sit within the curtilage of the B-listed main school building in Balerno, Edinburgh, providing a complementary space for group learning and community engagement for children who have suffered early years trauma.

New accommodation will include vocational classrooms, art and workshop spaces, and a bike workshop as well as a series of multi-functional internal and external areas to support the expansion of Harmeny’s specialist care and education services.

Matt Loader, director of Loader Monteith Architects, said: “The building looks to make the most of a very beautiful glade in a clearing of trees with its ‘L’ shaped plan and covered external areas to create a sense of enclosure and intimacy within the woodland setting.

"The existing trees will provide cover and a sense of enclosure for the outdoor classroom spaces. The learning spaces are designed to look out into the woodland and provide a sense of peace and tranquillity for the students. This will support Harmeny’s highly experiential model of learning and create an uplifting environment for students and staff alike.”

The project team includes Harley Haddow, PMP, Armour Consulting, Wardell Armstrong and Principal CDM.

Completion is expected by summer 2022.

A dedicated art classroom will be among the facilities on offer
A dedicated art classroom will be among the facilities on offer
An L-plan courtyard extension will stand alongside the main school
An L-plan courtyard extension will stand alongside the main school

The building has been carefully positioned in the landscape to minimise the loss of any trees
The building has been carefully positioned in the landscape to minimise the loss of any trees
The landscape will be harnessed to create a calm and inspiring learning environment
The landscape will be harnessed to create a calm and inspiring learning environment

Woodland views are ever-present throughout
Woodland views are ever-present throughout

2 Comments

ACH
#1 Posted by ACH on 26 Mar 2021 at 12:20 PM
Can we take a minute to appreciate the authenticity of the teenager-produced art in the classroom? From the almost-good-but-still-uncanny portraits on the back wall to the Warhol-style Ron Burgundy, they got the vibe spot on. A lovely bit of detail.
M for Mungo
#2 Posted by M for Mungo on 29 Mar 2021 at 08:33 AM
#1 Chef's kiss.

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