We are proud to have played a key role in the construction of Riverside Primary School, Scotland’s first-ever Passivhaus-certified school. This landmark project, located in Perth, sets a new standard for energy-efficient, sustainable education buildings. Working with Robertson Tayside, we were responsible for delivering the Kalzip Standing Seam Roof, the Bauder Felt Roof, and the Aluminium Shingle Cladding, all of which contributed to the building’s airtightness and energy efficiency—essential factors in achieving Passivhaus certification.
What is Passivhaus?
Passivhaus is a rigorous energy performance standard designed to reduce a building’s ecological footprint while maintaining superior indoor comfort. Originally developed in Germany, it focuses on:
- Ultra-low energy consumption through exceptional insulation and airtight construction.
- High-performance windows and doors with minimal heat loss.
- Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR), which ensures fresh air circulation without significant energy loss.
- Thermal bridge-free construction, preventing weak points where heat could escape.
- To achieve certification, every component—from the building envelope to the roofing and cladding—must meet strict performance criteria, with meticulous attention to detail during installation.
Our Involvement: Precision and Quality
On the Riverside Primary project, we were entrusted with delivering high-quality external finishes that were not only aesthetically pleasing but also integral to the school’s airtightness and thermal performance.
Kalzip Standing Seam Roof: Known for its durability and weathertight properties, the Kalzip system was the ideal choice to enhance the building’s energy efficiency. The standing seam design also allows for slight thermal movement, which helps maintain airtightness over time.
Bauder Felt Roof: We installed a Bauder flat roof system, providing exceptional waterproofing and insulation. This layer was critical to ensuring the building’s overall airtightness and thermal integrity.
Aluminium Shingle Cladding: The small area of lightweight, durable aluminium shingle cladding offered both protection and visual appeal. Beyond aesthetics, it added to the building’s external insulation layer, reducing thermal bridging.
A Collaborative Approach to Excellence
Throughout the project, quality control was paramount. The Passivhaus champion on site ensured that every detail—from the precise fitting of windows to the airtight membrane application—met the required standards. Toolbox talks with the design and construction teams provided an opportunity to review and refine details, promoting consistency across the build.
A Sustainable Legacy
Riverside Primary School is more than just a building—it’s a blueprint for the future of sustainable education in Scotland. With its ultra-low energy use, superior indoor air quality, and reduced carbon footprint, it sets a precedent for the 35 other Passivhaus schools in the pipeline across the country.
We are proud to have contributed to this pioneering project, delivering roofing and cladding solutions that help make Riverside Primary a model of energy efficiency and sustainability.