A newly built primary school at Moneam Gardens on the outskirts of Aberdeen has been recognised for its innovative use of solid fibre cement cladding. The 2022 RCI Awards has shortlisted Milltimber Primary School, which opened in May, for its creative use of Equitone Tectiva fibre cement cladding, which was supplied by Vivalda Scotland.
The £16m project provides spaces for more than 340 pupils, replacing the former school which was over 50 years old and had run out of space. The 150,695 sq ft site comprises 14 classrooms and activity spaces for young people.
Architects Scott Brownrigg have talked about the importance of colour, texture and seasonal planting around the building. William Barlow, Branch Manager, Vivalda Scotland said: “The choice of 8mm Tectiva in a warm sandstone provides a very tactile, safe and yet weatherproof external façade for this important building.
“We worked closely with Avtech Solutions in Dunfermline to provide a seamless façade solution that would fit into the project’s tight construction timescale. To achieve this, we fabricated the cladding offsite, cutting the Tectiva panels to meet exacting tolerances. In the end we think this partnership has created a stunning external shell for the new school.”
Tectiva TE30 is a sandstone-coloured fibre cement material that provides a matt finish that is also tough and hardwearing.
The main contractor for the Milltimber project was Robertson Construction, which is one of the UK’s largest family-owned construction businesses, with offices across Scotland, the north of England and the Midlands.
Speaking at the school’s opening, Co-leader of Aberdeen City Council, Ian Yuill said: “The new School is a fantastic new building which the young people are very excited about. Education is key to Aberdeen City Council and to our city. It’s a cliché, but Aberdeen’s young people are our city’s future and we need to make sure they have the best possible education. And the best possible education needs the best possible buildings which are fit for purpose and allow teachers to teach and young people to learn.”
