Leading the way in Passive House education

Metal Technology has developed a range of systems to meet the need for Passivhaus-compliant education buildings built with a robust, Fabric First approach. 

The building sector accounts for 35% of global energy consumption, with the operational stage, particularly heating and cooling, being the largest contributor to carbon emissions. As the UK works to reduce its environmental impact, demand is rising for education buildings designed to the Passivhaus standard.  

With extensive experience supplying architectural aluminium solutions to universities, colleges, schools, and student accommodation, Metal Technology’s Passive House range of windows, doors, and curtain walling has been specified for numerous primary and secondary education projects, offering exceptional thermal insulation and airtightness. As a single-source supplier, Metal Technology provides proactive technical expertise and support throughout the project lifecycle. This collaborative approach has made the company a valued partner to fabricators, developers, contractors, and architects alike. 

The largest Passive House facility 

St Columba’s RC High School and Woodmill High School (part of the new Dunfermline Learning Campus) were designed by AHR Architects and delivered by BAM UK & Ireland. At over 26,000m², this is the UK’s largest Passive House education facility to date, representing a major step in Fife Council’s drive to cut energy use and carbon emissions. 

Metal Technology, working with approved fabricator NetZero Facades, played a key role in the design and delivery. The company supplied its Passive House certified System 5-45 Hi+ Inward Opening Windows and System 17 Hi+ Curtain Walling, achieving an airtightness test result of 0.45m³/hr @ 50Pa. 

To meet specific project requirements, Metal Technology developed tailored classroom window configurations to optimise ventilation and designed bespoke 300mm cappings to its curtain system to meet the designer’s shading needs for the façade system. Additional products installed at this exemplar campus include System 5-20D Hi+ Doors, System 23 Louvres, and LV023 Barrier Grilles. Metal Technology’s high performance systems are designed to perform seamlessly together to deliver the desired aesthetic and performance standards. 

The first Passivhaus Premium building 

Designed by Hamilton Architects LLP and built by Tracey Brothers, Erne Campus at South West College, Enniskillen, was the world’s first educational Passivhaus Premium building and the UK’s first non-domestic facility to achieve this standard. 

Metal Technology played an intrinsic role in the design process of this £29m education facility and Mullarkey Pedersen Architects were the lead Passivhaus design team on the project. The result is an award-winning environmental building that is pushing the boundaries of sustainable design and energy efficient buildings. Recognised as a UN Centre of Excellence for High Performance Buildings, Erne Campus demonstrates how Metal Technology’s innovation and expertise continue to shape the future of low-carbon education environments. 

Bringing pupils together 

Metal Technology supplied its high-performance glazing systems, including its Passivhaus-certified solutions, for Riverside Primary School in North Perth, Scotland’s first Passivhaus primary. Built on the former North Muirton Primary site, Riverside brings together pupils from North Muirton and Balhousie Primary Schools. Designed by Architype and delivered by Robertson Construction, the new school opened in June 2023, providing places for 500 pupils, along with a nursery and ASN provision. 

Working in close collaboration with the design teams, Metal Technology ensured full compliance with stringent Passivhaus standards. This involved high-level technical engagement and detailed performance validation for the windows and curtain walling. Metal Technology developed a slimmer mullion profile, maximising natural daylight in classrooms and enhancing the learning environment, while meeting the rigorous energy efficiency criteria. 

Looking to the future 

Metal Technology’s Passive House glazing systems are also being installed across a series of major further education projects opening for the new academic term, including Drumgeith Community Campus and Greenfield Academy in Dundee, Monifieth Learning Campus in Angus, and Perth High School. 

Building on this momentum, the company has also secured a pipeline of landmark Passive House projects worth over £10 million in installation value. These include Caledonia High School in Rosyth, Faifley Community Campus in Clydebank, Paisley Grammar School Community Campus, and Wester Hailes High School in Edinburgh. 

metaltechnology.com/passive-house