Thermal comfort to boost learning environments for pupils

The Wraptite external air barrier from A. Proctor Group has helped create state-of-the-art learning environments for more than 4,500 Scottish pupils. Specify & Build reports.  

The specification and installation of A. Proctor Group’s Wraptite external air barrier is helping three secondary school projects in Scotland to achieve the Passivhaus standard. As a result of these high-quality new school buildings, more than 4,500 pupils will benefit from learning in thermally comfortable classrooms with excellent indoor air quality. 

All three schools are being delivered by main contractor Robertson Construction Tayside. With its purpose of assuring a sustainable future, Robertson has developed a specialism in Passivhaus construction, which supports its customers, local authorities and Government to address their low-carbon goals. 

The three schools are Perth High School, East End Community Campus in Dundee, and Monifieth Learning Campus. Construction commenced on all three within the space of a few months in the first half of 2023. 

Perth High School was the first project to get underway. The current Oakbank Road building is more than 50 years old and rated ‘poor’ for suitability, having been used beyond its design life. The newbuild school will replace the existing facility when it is handed over this summer. 

Originally, a more traditional design and specification was intended for the construction, which will be used by 1,600 pupils and 140 staff. The Passivhaus approach was adopted during the design 

process and required minimal alteration to the building’s agreed form and location. 

Two Dundee high schools also nearing the end of their life – Craigie High School and Braeview Academy – will be replaced by the East End Community Campus. Designed to accommodate around 1,800 pupils, the site includes an integrated education centre for those with complex assisted support needs. 

Also expected to be handed over this summer, the campus’ sports facilities will be available to local groups and clubs. The new education and community campus in Monifieth, near Dundee, features a new school for 1,200 pupils and amenities including a swimming pool and Sport Scotland-standard athletics facilities. Angus Council’s intention is for the campus to be used fully, all year round. Like Perth High School, construction is being phased so that the new school is constructed while the old one remains in use. The existing facility will then be demolished.  

Installing Wraptite in different structural solutions 

The external walls of each new school are constructed in a slightly different way, showing that the Passivhaus standard can be achieved using different construction methods.  

“We wanted to take what we learnt delivering Scotland’s first certified Passivhaus school, Riverside Primary, and apply it to future projects,” says Kevin Dickson, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Tayside. “This opportunity came with the appointment to deliver three Passivhaus schools, constructed to realise each local authority’s vision while generating meaningful benefits throughout the process.” 

A similar procurement process to Riverside Primary meant that using Wraptite satisfied the requirement for using local suppliers, on top of the experience gained in using it to meet the airtightness requirements. 

Perth High School is a concrete frame with mineral wool insulation and a facing brick facade. The school buildings to the other two campuses feature a mix of concrete and steel frame, with high-performance insulation. Facing brickwork is the finish at Monifieth, while East End Community Campus will have finishes of facing brickwork, precast concrete and cladding. 

Wraptite is well-suited to Passivhaus projects, and the different construction methods demonstrate its versatility in helping meet the standard’s high levels of airtightness. By moving the airtight line to the exterior face of the wall structure, it avoids a lot of complex detailing around services and other penetrations that typically occur at the internal face. 

As a fully adhered vapour permeable membrane, Wraptite saves on labour and material costs, without compromising airtightness levels or increasing condensation risks. Where particular areas of detailing do need to be addressed there is the added benefit of Wraptite tape. 

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