Ground Breaks on Charity’s New Learning Hub
Thomas Johnstone Ltd have broken ground on a new hands-on learning centre at Scottish charity, Harmeny Education Trust’s 35-acre estate.
Located just south of Edinburgh, Harmeny Education Trust provides education, care and therapeutic support to young people. These young people have complex additional support needs due to early years trauma and adversity. Where previously the charity has cared for children up to 14 years old, the new centre facilitates a new technology, arts and design programme for students aged 14-18. This expands the capacity of the charity to empower children to reach their full potential.
Architecture Designed to Embrace and Inspire
The new 500 square metre Harmeny Learning Hub has been designed by Loader Monteith with Studio SJM Architects. It sits at the heart of a woodland site opposite the existing Category B-listed 1800’s Harmeny House. In addition, it replaces an existing outdoor learning facility which was unusable in the winter months due to poor construction and condition.
The architects conceived the building as an act of ’embrace.’ It aims to support students and staff while deepening their connection to nature. Moreover, the layout responds to mature trees preserved on-site. The L-shaped plan forms a sheltered courtyard. This space supports outdoor learning all year round.
The building also offers vocational learning areas. For example, it includes a bicycle repair workshop, woodwork and art rooms, and breakout spaces. These spaces encourage hands-on, practical learning. In addition, all rooms connect directly to the woodland. This allows children to explore and learn at their own pace in natural surroundings.
Sustainability and Low Carbon Design
Taking cues for the natural surroundings, the new Learning Hub focuses on creating low carbon architecture that supports wellbeing. The building features timber frame construction and will be highly insulated to reduce heat loss, supported by a building management system. A contemporary timber colonnade will provide solar shading and facilitate a passive ventilation strategy. This will allow the building to connect closely with its woodland surroundings while minimising energy in use.
The £3.1m project is funded by donations to Harmeny’s ongoing Learning for Life Appeal, which has raised over £2.6m to date. The Harmeny Learning Hub is expected to complete in Summer 2023.
Gordon Cameron, Regional Construction Director of Thomas Johnstone Ltd. said:
“We are thrilled to be bringing our expertise for building excellence to this worthwhile project for Harmeny Education Trust. Our first core value at TJL is ‘People’ which aligns perfectly with the New Learning Hub’s purpose to support young people aged 14-18 so they no longer have to leave Harmeny at the age of 14.”
Neil Squires, Chief Executive of the Harmeny Education Trust said:
“We are delighted with the Learning Hub design, which will be a beautiful and inspiring addition to our estate. Not only will the new building provide opportunities for Harmeny to grow as an organisation but, more importantly, it will enable us to help more disadvantaged young people reach their potential.”
To find out more or donate to the Harmeny Education Trust, visit their website: https://www.harmeny.org.uk/
