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'Orchard of learning' Peebles campus set to grow

February 18 2022

'Orchard of learning' Peebles campus set to grow

Scottish Borders Council has shared plans for a £46m replacement Peebles High School following a devastating 2019 fire.

Stallan-Brand Architects have been brought on board to oversee the new building, which will introduce a range of educational and community facilities to the town when it opens in 2025.

The tandem build solution is set to break ground later this year, rising on the footprint of an existing rugby field, evoking the form of a 'country estate' property typical of the surrounding area.

Modelled as an 'orchard of learning' the two-storey volume promotes a light and collegiate environment where learning spills out beyond the classroom into the building as a whole.

In a statement Stallan-Brand wrote: "The concept is that of an “orchard of learning”, whereby a rigorous grid with paths east-west and north-south are broken up by clearings within the orchard, forming a series of 9 atria.

"Teaching departments are set around these atria, forming courtyard spaces for collaboration and discussion. These courtyards sit below hyperbolic paraboloid roof lights, which bring light and ventilation deep into the plan.

"The overriding design aspiration is to achieve a collegiate and inspiring environment for all young learners attending the school."

Outdoor spaces include external teaching areas, a performance amphitheatre, growing spaces and a 'learning landscape'.

In 2014 the authority inaugurated a £4.8m sports complex at the school delivered by Graham Construction.

Advances in online connectivity open up the whole building for learning
Advances in online connectivity open up the whole building for learning
Courtyards sit below hyperbolic paraboloid rooflights, drawing light and ventilation deep into the plan
Courtyards sit below hyperbolic paraboloid rooflights, drawing light and ventilation deep into the plan

Pupils will be encouraged to occupy all spaces of the building beyond the classroom
Pupils will be encouraged to occupy all spaces of the building beyond the classroom
The council emphasise that the new school will be an asset for the whole town with a range of improved community facilities
The council emphasise that the new school will be an asset for the whole town with a range of improved community facilities

The new school will be built alongside the old Peebles High
The new school will be built alongside the old Peebles High
The school enjoys a close relationship with its external landscape
The school enjoys a close relationship with its external landscape

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