Lerwick, Scotland - School
Ryder was commissioned to design and deliver a new 1180 pupil secondary school and halls of residence for Shetland Islands Council to replace the existing Anderson High School and Halls of Residence. A site for the school campus was identified at the western edge of Lerwick. The site offered key advantages for a new school, including the scope to use the adjacent Clickimin Sports Centre and playing fields.
By drawing inspiration from the vernacular forms of the Shetland landscape, the buildings are simple, barnlike forms nestled into the slopes of the hillside. Set between rocky hillsides, iron age fortifications and the shores of Clickimin Loch, the site presented unique challenges which required a design strategy which was sensitive to its ancient context.
The school is presented across four storeys. A triple height, central atrium space brings light down into the heart of the building to provide a social hub. The space is used for a range of overlapping activities from dining and assemblies to performances. This support spine is surrounded by a wrap of teaching spaces, allowing classrooms to face outward and revel in natural light.
Recognising that many pupils need to stay on campus due to the challenges of travelling across the islands, the halls of residence offer a range of sleeping accommodation, social areas, support facilities, ASN facilities and a dedicated weekend flat for visiting parents. The design is sympathetic to the adjacent school, adopting similar forms and materials, and flows with the contours of the landscape. The two storey residential wing allows for simple gender segregation and keeps the mass of the building to an appropriate scale relative to the surrounding residential buildings.
The scheme is part of the government funded Scottish Schools for the Future programme, centred around creating environments which can deliver the Scottish National Curriculum for Excellence. It was delivered with Hub North Scotland, a key partner in delivering public sector projects within Scotland.
Chris Malcolm
Partner at Ryder
