Sandy Brown was appointed in 2013 to provide acoustic design advice for the replacement Boroughmuir High School on the site of the former Scottish and Newcastle brewery in the Fountainbridge area of the city. We provided design advice from RIBA Stages C – E, after which the project was delivered under a separate design and build contract.

The school is located on Dundee Street which is a busy route into the city. We undertook an environmental noise survey on the site as well as baseline noise measurements at the existing school to assist with end user expectations. A 3D CadnaA computer noise model was developed to advise on the facade sound insulation requirements to control external noise ingress. To control road traffic noise ingress and activity noise egress from music and other noisier areas, the school was designed to be mechanically ventilated in several key areas. An acoustically attenuated natural ventilation strategy using crossflow was designed for other spaces.

There is a rooftop MUGA pitch which is designed with solid acoustic barrier walls to control games noise egress to neighbouring properties.

A large central atrium is used for several functions including dining, social and resource activities, debating, collaborative learning, and circulation. Reverberation is controlled in the space using a combination of sound absorbing timber treatments to balustrades, efficient sound absorbing foam linings to high-level trusses, and soffit treatments. The design of the space was developed and assessed using a 3D Odeon computer acoustic model.

Sandy Brown also advised on the acoustic design of an extension to the school which was led by Holmes Miller Architects and completed in 2023. This extension provides additional classrooms and a separate multi-purpose community space.