The new Linkwood Primary School in Elgin has reached Practical Completion on 8th December 2020 and delivered successfully to The Moray Council. The new school is designed to accommodate 464 primary school pupils and has a dedicated Additional Support Needs department and early years nursery. The school is located within the new masterplan situated to the south of Elgin, and will support one of the largest residential developments in the area. Landscaping offers strong pedestrian links between the new school and its immediate vicinity, which includes a sports leisure centre and the iconic Linkwood Distillery.

Reflecting its strong agricultural context, the new Linkwood Primary school is enveloped in aluminium sinusoidal cladding and complimented with warm vertical Siberian larch timber. Internally, the school is designed around the communal double height spaces at the heart of the building. The warm timber is expressed within the games hall and central dining area. The feature hellerup stair provides the focal point of the space, and is composed with the acoustic timber panelled balustrade and fin wall to provide visual connections between the spaces.

Open plan classrooms wrap around these central spaces and offer excellent views along the main north and south elevations. Visual connections are maintained on the upper floor with generous internal glazed screens providing views between classroom and breakout spaces, and the central games hall. Natural light and incredible views are offered throughout the building through an array of well-proportioned windows and rooflights, providing excellent environments to learn and play.

Cian Phelan & Melissa Hart, jmarchitects Edinburgh
Photography Credit: Niall Hastie Photography