The Model Primary School project continues to collect plaudits, the most recent of which was as the winner of the Construction Restoration category at the prestigious CEF/Specify Awards 2007.

Opened in July 1862, Model Primary School has recently undergone a major restoration and refurbishment by Graham to restore it to its former glory. The project involved remodeling and restoring the existing listed building and the construction of a new teaching wing.

Extensive areas of the original building have been restored using traditional techniques and tooling. Specialist sub contractors restored the original stonework which in itself led to a commendation in the National Stone Awards 2006.

Sash windows were extensively overhauled and traditional products such as lime mortar and water based paints were used in conjunction with locally sourced products.

The new building was sympathetically designed to allow interaction of old and new. There was a strong desire to include the original features of the old building but yet have modern performance in terms of heating, lighting, insulation and ventilation in order to provide an appropriate environment in which to learn.

The project has also received acclaim on a wider platform with a ‘Special Mention’ in the Europa Nostra, the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage, in recognition of a valuable contribution to the conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage.

The new building was officially opened on 22nd June 2007.

Pictured at the CEF/Specify awards are left-right: Alastair Coey (Alastair Coey Architects), Ivor Thompson (Graham), Harvey McConnell (S.McConnell & Sons), Ivan Humphreys, (James Clark & Partners), Trevor McKibben (S.McConnell & Sons), Gerard O’Hare, Ron Clarke, Bert McCulloch, Noel McCulloch (all Graham), Ian Holmes , (James Clark & Partners).