Ground has now broken on our new Learning Hub!
Designed by Glasgow architects, Loader Monteith with Studio SJM Architects our new Learning Hub will expand Harmeny’s capacity to care for students aged 15-18 through a new technology, arts and design programme.
Matt Loader, Iain Monteith from Loader Monteith break ground with Neil Squires, Chief Executive, Allan Cook CBE, Chair of Harmeny’s Fundraising Development Group and Will O’Neill from Thomas Johnstone Ltd.
Building brighter futures
‘We are delighted that Harmeny is now able to offer extended services to some of the most complex but remarkable children and young people, giving them the opportunity to continue to live and learn with us so they can find the pathways to adulthood that they deserve.
This has only been possible because of the hard work and generosity of the many people who have shared our vision and helped us reach this milestone.’ said Jennifer Scott, Chair of Trustees.
“The new building prevents the need for our young people to leave at 14 years old, it will also help us support more young people in our wider community who are struggling to engage with mainstream school via more day learning opportunities.”
Neil Squires, Chief Executive
As Neil Squires, Chief Executive explains: ‘Not only will the new building prevent the need for our young people to leave at 14 years old, it will also help us support more young people in our wider community who are struggling to engage with mainstream school via more day learning opportunities. The pandemic and its disruption to school and family life has deeply impacted many young people and the new Learning Hub will be one of the ways we can help more young people to thrive.’
Neil Squires, Harmeny’s Chief Executive and Matt Loader from Loader Monteith provide an insight into the future for the space.
Therapeutic design creates supportive ’embrace’ for learners
The £3.1m project is funded by donations to Harmeny’s ongoing Learning for Life Appeal, which has raised over £2.6m to date. The new L-shape building was designed by Loader Monteith as an act of ‘embrace’, supporting the development of both students and staff alike and enhancing their relationship with the landscape.
Delivered by specialist contractors, Thomas Johnstone Ltd, Loader Monteith’s design features vocational learning spaces including a bicycle repair workshop, woodwork and art rooms, and multi-functional break out spaces to encourage hands-on learning and instil skills the students can build on to achieve meaningful employment. All spaces connect to the surrounding woodland, allowing young people to explore, discover and learn at their own pace in an uplifting and accessible environment.
“The Harmeny Learning Hub is an uplifting and functional piece of architecture which will shape lives for the better throughout the children’s formative years”
Iain Monteith, Director – Loader Monteith
‘The Harmeny Learning Hub is a chance for us as a team to provide an uplifting and functional piece of architecture which will shape lives for the better throughout the children’s formative years’, said Loader Monteith Director, Iain Monteith.
The building features timber frame construction and will be highly insulated to reduce heat loss thus reducing the Hub’s carbon footprint. A modern timber colonnade will provide shade and facilitate a passive ventilation strategy, connecting the Learning Hub with its woodland surroundings while minimising energy use.
The Harmeny Learning Hub is expected to complete in Summer 2023.
Help Harmeny reach their £3.1m target
Thanks to the amazing support of donors and funders we have now raised over £2.6m towards the £3.1m we need to complete the build. Can you help us close the gap to our target?
There are many ways to get involved from gifting a brick to organising your own fundraising event. If you would like to make a donation please get in touch with [email protected] or by calling 0131 449 3938 or find out more about how you can help here.
