An event has been held to mark the handing over of keys to the new Maddiston Primary School in Falkirk. This milestone has taken on special significance because of what happened last November when a large part of the school was destroyed by fire.

The new £9m, two storey school will be a model of sustainable construction when it opens its doors for the new term as it has been constructed using a host of noteable sustainability techniques. All timber in the project, including the substantial timber framing is from 100% Sustainably Certified Timber sources under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) scheme. The blockwork used is a recycled Enviroblock and the wall cavities are filled with recycled newspaper insulation. Even the play areas get the sustainability treatment as the playground surface is made from 100% recycled tyre rubber.

Perhaps the most obvious feature is the sedum grass ‘green roof’ which will provide green ecological space and acts as a natural water retainer, thus minimising the risk of flooding. This blends effortlessly with local stone which was used for the facade with traditional Lime mortar.

Speaking about the project, Gary Holmes, Contracts Director for Graham Construction said, “We strongly feel that schools must be built with integrity and sustainability if they are to fit into the environment of today.  The sustainability features are not only beneficial to the running costs of the school, but also offer an opportunity to incorporate such issues into the curriculum and extend beyond the classroom.”

Commenting about new school, Alex Waddell, Convenor of the Education and Leisure Services Committee, said ‘The staff and pupils of Maddiston Primary School are eagerly looking forward to getting into their brand new school. The building has many sustainable features which will improve the internal environment and reduce running costs. We hope that Maddiston Primary will become the benchmark for future school design and that Falkirk Council will be able to develop our excellent working relationship with Graham Construction again on future projects.’

There is no doubt the pupils, parents and staff now have the chance to look forward to the new term in what has turned out to be a ‘first class’ finished project.

Pictured at the event at Maddiston Primary School are (l to r) James Mulroy, Project Manager, Graham, Ron Clarke, Operations Director (Building), Graham, Jack Aitkin, Education Design Co-ordinator, Falkirk Council, Anne McDonald, Head Teacher, Maddiston Primary School and Alan Livingstone, Resources Manager, Falkirk Council.