Passivhaus at Blairgowrie Recreation Centre

Our project architect Yida Zhou shares his thoughts on delivering Passivhaus at Blairgowrie Recreation Centre. Funded by Perth and Kinross Council, delivered through Hub East Central Scotland, and built by BAM Construction, the new centre replaces Blairgowrie’s original 1980s facility. It is the first Scottish leisure centre to be designed to full Passivhaus standards and only the second in the United Kingdom.

Constructed from CLT and Glulam, the building is designed to reduce energy consumption by up to 80 percent compared with a typical leisure centre. The design prioritises a comfortable indoor environment with even temperatures and carefully managed ventilation and humidity, supporting the school curriculum and the wider community. Facilities include a competition standard 25 metre pool with viewing gallery, a four court sports hall, a two court gymnasium, a dance studio, a fitness suite and an external all weather sports pitch. The centre is fully accessible and designed to meet national guidance for inclusive sports facilities.