38 BRUNSTANE PRIMARY SCHOOL- EDINBURGH
BRUNSTANE PRIMARY SCHOOL- EDINBURGH
The Brunstane Primary School retrofit in Edinburgh has transformed the existing campus into a low-carbon learning environment through a major refurbishment programme delivered by Graham Construction with design by Architype.
A comprehensive retrofit and refurbishment programme at Brunstane Primary School in Edinburgh has modernised the existing campus while significantly reducing its operational carbon footprint. Delivered for the City of Edinburgh Council by GRAHAM, the £ 10 million project has repositioned the school as one of the capital’ s most energy-efficient education facilities.
Designed by Architype, the works focused on a fabricfirst retrofit strategy, improving the thermal performance and operational efficiency of the existing buildings while enhancing teaching environments for pupils and staff. The programme forms part of the council’ s wider ambition to achieve net zero across Edinburgh by 2030.
Construction commenced in October 2024 and was delivered in multiple phases while the school remained fully operational. This required careful planning and coordination to minimise disruption to teaching and daily school activities throughout the programme. Temporary classroom arrangements and phased handovers ensured continuity for pupils and staff during construction.
The completed scheme includes upgraded classrooms, new staff and pupil facilities, refurbished circulation spaces and improvements to accessibility across the campus. External works involved the installation of insulated cladding systems, replacement windows and new ramps designed to improve movement around the site.
A major element of the retrofit centred on the introduction of low-carbon energy infrastructure. Existing gas boilers were removed and replaced with a new energy centre incorporating air source heat pumps and an updated electric heating system. Roof-mounted photovoltaic panels were also installed to generate renewable electricity and further reduce operational emissions.
The retrofit achieved an EPC A rating following completion, reflecting the substantial improvements made to building performance. The project demonstrates how existing education buildings can be adapted to modern environmental standards without full replacement, extending the life of the school while improving comfort and energy efficiency.
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