How we brought value to the project

WARM were able to highlight to the team the high standby losses from the point-of-use water heaters, prompting reductions in storage capacities and a partial switch to centralised hot water provision, saving money and carbon.

WARM also instigated and oversaw strict monitoring of the installation of mineral wool behind cladding facades, reducing the risk of open loop thermal bypass, which would have led to additional heat loss.

From the project architects, Architype:

"The WARM certification team were very much behind us in delivering the 1^st steel frame Passivhaus Primary School in Scotland. They were very involved in the development of the project and supported the wider team by being very accessible and clear in their requirements, and were critical in how well the building is performing currently well into year 3 of operation."

From the Riverside Primary School handbook for parents:

"Our school building is spectacular ... We benefit from excellent air quality and a constant comfortable temperature. One little learner has commented, “it’s like a puddle of warmth for me to be in."

Awards

• 2026 - CIBSE Building Performance Awards Project of the Year - Education
• 2025 - Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland Award
• 2025 - Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland Special Category Award: Sustainability Award
• 2025 - Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland Special Category Award: Client of the Year Award
• 2023 - Innovation in Delivering a Sustainable Learning Place, The Learning Places Scotland Awards

Key Features

Constructed using a steel frame system with brick outer leaf.

Air source heat pumps for space heating and main kitchen hot water.

Photos

Project Information

• Passivhaus Classic
• 462 pupils, 82 nursery pupils and 16 additional support needs pupils
• Treated floor area: 3,613 m²
• Form heat loss factor 2.3
• Space heating demand 15 kWh/(m².a)
• WARM project lead: Liam M^cDonagh-Greaves