Westwater Building, Dollar Academy

Education

  • Location
    Dollar
  • Client
    Dollar Academy
  • Photographer
    Andrew Lee

Introduction

Harley Haddow were initially appointed to undertake a strategic appraisal of annual energy use, infrastructure development proposals, and delivery of economic and sustainable energy solutions to support a phased 10-year masterplan at Dollar Academy. The project included enabling works, refurbishment and extensions, the delivery of new teaching facilities, and the creation of all-weather sports pitches, providing modern, flexible, and energy-efficient learning and recreational spaces for students.

MEP Solutions

Our team delivered MEP services across all phases of the masterplan. This included the conversion and extension of the 6th Form Centre, integrating new and upgraded systems with existing services, and using thermal modelling and ventilation analysis to reduce lifecycle costs. The new teaching facility incorporated cross-flow ventilation via controlled plenums and ventilation stacks, thermal mass to reduce temperature fluctuations, and photovoltaic panels as part of a site-wide renewable energy strategy. The all-weather pitch included alterations to water supply, floodlighting and associated infrastructure.

Collaboration

Collaboration was central to the project, particularly in the design of the 6th Form Centre, where students were actively involved in workshops and design critique. Harley Haddow worked closely with the school, architects, and the wider multi-disciplinary team to ensure seamless integration of MEP systems across the campus, alignment with the phased masterplan, and adherence to sustainability objectives.

Challenges

Key challenges included connecting new and refurbished buildings to existing infrastructure while maintaining operational efficiency and minimising ongoing energy costs. The sloped site for the new teaching facility required careful integration of passive energy measures, and all-weather pitch construction demanded coordination of services and surface utilities. By using detailed thermal modelling, ventilation analysis and strategic design planning, Harley Haddow delivered energy-efficient, low-maintenance solutions across the phased programme.

Project awards

2016 Scottish Design Awards – Education Category

2016 GIA Awards – Education Category

2016 GIA Awards – Good for Wood Award

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