Sir Harry Burns Centre, Arthurlie Family Centre

Introduction

Development of a Community hub located in Barrhead specifically targeted to providing a care service for children before they start full time education. The hub placed heavy emphasis on the children’s care, learning and development in a stimulating environment.

Gallery

Background

The £4.5m Arthurlie Family Centre was developed within the grounds of the former Auchenback Primary School to create a modern, single-storey community hub. Designed to bring early years education and family support services together under one roof, the centre provides early education facilities for children aged 0–5, with capacity for 170 child spaces.

Challenges

Key challenges included delivering a highly secure, child-friendly environment while accommodating a wide range of functions, from playrooms and outdoor learning spaces to community facilities and multi-agency staff accommodation. The programme was also tightly defined, with a 43-week construction period from site start to completion.

Solutions

A timber-frame building with masonry panels and Siberian larch rainscreen cladding was developed to create a calm, nurturing environment. The layout provides seven playrooms with direct access to secure outdoor gardens, level access throughout, and underfloor heating for comfort. A glulam portal frame forms the community hall, supported by energy-efficient lighting and roof-mounted photovoltaic panels, delivering a sustainable and flexible facility at the heart of the local community.

Project awards

2018 RICS Scotland Awards – Community Benefit – Shortlisted