Construction has begun on the £36m Blairgowrie Recreation Centre, an ultra-low energy swimming pool and sustainable leisure centre in Scotland
The sustainable leisure centre is being completed by Holmes Miller Architects. The centre has been carefully designed to meet the highest Passivhaus standards. This will result in a zero-carbon building that uses minimal energy for heating or cooling, reducing running costs and emissions.
Passivhaus is a solution that provides proven methods for new and existing buildings to optimise decarbonisation and improve occupant health and wellbeing, while being ready for net zero.
In order for buildings to achieve Passivhaus certification, they must contain use very high levels of insulation, high-performance windows with insulated frames and airtight building fabric. Contractors must also use ‘thermal bridge-free’ construction methods and mechanical ventilation systems with highly efficient heat recovery.
The sustainable leisure centre will be a first for Scotland
The project is scheduled for completion in late 2024 or early 2025. The building was Scotland’s first swimming pool and leisure development to obtain Passivhaus certification, making it only the second of its kind in the UK.
“Perth & Kinross Council have a clear vision of reaching carbon zero, and working on this project has been a brilliant opportunity to help them achieve that through cutting-edge sustainable design,” said Yida Zhou, project architect at Holmes Miller.
“As Scotland’s first sustainable leisure centre designed to Passivhaus standards, hopefully, this project will inspire more councils and investors to adopt this approach, given the significant carbon and revenue savings that it makes possible,” she added.
The new development will replace an existing 41-year-old facility in Perthshire. Perth and Kinross Council has the project, which is being delivered by Hub East Central Scotland, with BAM UK serving as the main contractor.
The centre will have a unique design
The leisure centre will incorporate exposed wooden beams, which will distinguish it from conventional civic leisure facilities. The spaces have been designed to harness sunlight and direct heat towards the pool area, ensuring a consistent temperature throughout the centre.
“The new Blairgowrie Recreation Centre will make a tremendous difference to the lives of people in Eastern Perthshire, so it is fantastic to see work is now underway,” said Perth and Kinross Council leader Grant Laing.
You can learn more about the Passivhaus Standard here.
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