Cowgate Under 5s Centre, Edinburgh
About the Project
- Principal designer: Allan Murray Architects
- Client: Buredi & Castle Rock Housing Association
- Principal contractor: Mowlem plc
- Contract value: £650,000
The Cowgate Under 5s Centre is more than just a school; beyond its educational
function it provides a much needed social facility for the local community
in the very heart of the city.
The Centre replaced an existing, inadequate nursery building and provides an innovative flagship facility for around 60 children up to five years old, and reinforces Edinburgh City Council's commitment to the inner city by providing day care facilities close to the workplace.
The constraints of the site demanded
an inventive solution. The four classrooms, administrative facilities and
meeting rooms are simply organised by a connecting circulation 'room'
that maximises
internal flexibility for the teaching staff.
The distinctive patinated zinc curved rear wall and large-scale angular roof lights bring natural light deep into the building.
The judges said:
"A delightful project on a constricted site."