Kirkmichael Primary School

Following on from the very successful Heathfield Primary School project with South Ayrshire Council, Holmes Miller was appointed to design and deliver the new build Kirkmichael Primary School in autumn 2011.

Our design approach for Kirkmichael Primary School seeks to promote a locally distinctive and contemporary design solution which is based upon an understanding of South Ayrshire’s rural character – its landscape, building and settlements and the way in which they interact.

The building form represents our interpretation of disaggregated farm-steadings which have been linked and clustered together in a nucleated form that defines and controls movement through and around the new school building.

Our design utilises steep symmetrically pitched roof shapes together with a simple long narrow plan form, typical of most rural locations, and flat, minimally articulated facades with a greater mass of wall to window to sensitively integrate the school into the rural setting and landscape

External finishes of render, timber cladding, stone and slate roofs have been utilised in a modern contemporary style with clipped edges to minimise complicated interfaces, providing a robust, hard wearing and low maintenance finish to replicate the traditional rural vernacular style prevalent within South Ayrshire. These traditional materials are complimented with the introduction of modern green roof technology to further enhance the rural countryside appearance.

Client

South Ayrshire Council

Location

Kirkmichael

Completed

Ongoing

Cost

£2m