The existing Penicuik High School comprises several buildings constructed at different time periods and linked in various manners, resulting in fragmented departments, complex linkage, and poor circulation within the development. The new proposal seeks to re-use and retrofit the original B-listed 1930s school building, remove later additions to the north of the site, and create a compact extension by infilling the existing external courtyard spaces. A modern three-storey extension to the north will complement the B-listed building and overlook a new landscaped entrance plaza.

The main aim of the expansion and refurbishment of Penicuik HS is to provide a refreshed environment for pupils with core accommodation expansion, including games, sports, dining, catering, and integrated complex needs provision. The faculty-based arrangement of spaces is aimed at fostering interdisciplinary learning and collaborative engagement. The design of social and open breakout zones will encourage collaboration for staff, pupils, and the community.

The existing site will be optimised by reusing the 1930s building, infilling existing courtyard spaces and increasing the extent of landscaped area to the north of the site. Active travel will be encouraged through the use of bike and pedestrian friendly public pathways and adequate bike parking. There will be significant enhancement of the site’s biodiversity, greenery and outdoor learning settings. Accessibility across the site will also be improved through the introduction of ramped access, particularly around the 1930s building, which has various changes in level and steps to overcome.

The re-use and retrofitting of the 1930s block will reduce whole life carbon and create a more comfortable learning environment. Retrofit works include the insulating of existing stone walls, insulating existing timber floors, the installation of new triple glazed windows to match the original 1930s windows, and insulating existing flat roofs. A fabric first approach will be adopted for the new extension, targeting low u values and excellent airtightness. New services will be all-electric, with high-efficiency MVHRs in individual classrooms and air source heat pumps.