2019
KELSO - SCOTLAND - United Kingdom
Scottish Border Council
McLaughlin & Harvey
Stallan Brand
Gabion Walls for Broomlands Primary School
BROOMLANDS PRIMARY SCHOOL
The school before the re-design
Steel sections used to support gabion cladding
Gabion cladding around doors and windows
Free standing gabion wall with iconic roof design
The 2 free standing gabion walls either side of the entrance stairway
Challenge
As part of a strategic initiative to modernise educational infrastructure, Scottish Borders Council launched a long-term school redevelopment programme across the Borders region of Scotland. One of the key projects within this scheme was the transformation of Broomlands Primary School, which had become outdated and no longer met the demands of modern education.
The existing school building was inefficient, with sections constructed from corrugated metal panels, reflecting its age and lack of durability. In addition to structural concerns, the facility suffered from limited space, restricting its ability to support contemporary teaching environments and growing student needs. These challenges highlighted the necessity for a complete school redesign rather than incremental refurbishment.
To address these issues, leading architects Stallan-Brand were appointed to deliver a forward-thinking design that would create a modern, functional, and visually striking primary school. The goal was to develop a high-quality learning environment that would serve the community for decades to come.
Solution
Following the approval of the architectural design, Maccaferri was selected to design, supply, and install a range of gabion wall solutions as part of the project. This included eight free-standing gabion walls, with a combined length of 78.8 metres and heights ranging from 1.2 metres to 5.4 metres. These structures provided both structural support and a strong visual impact within the landscape design.
In addition, Maccaferri delivered extensive gabion cladding systems around the exterior of the building. This architectural cladding formed a continuous external wrap, seamlessly integrating with the building design while spanning doorways and windows. The cladding extended to 144 metres in length and reached a height of 4.5 metres, contributing to the school’s distinctive and contemporary appearance.
The project utilised welded wire mesh gabions, a versatile and durable solution widely used in civil engineering, landscaping, and increasingly in modern architecture. Delivered flat-packed for efficient transport, the gabion units were assembled on site and filled with natural stone, creating a robust and aesthetically pleasing finish. The use of gabions as free-standing architectural walls reflects a growing trend due to their sustainability, permeability, and natural visual appeal.
Maccaferri’s gabion baskets are manufactured from high-quality, heavily galvanised steel mesh, ensuring long-term corrosion resistance and durability in exposed environments. This made them an ideal choice for a high-profile architectural application requiring both performance and longevity.
Since its completion, Broomlands Primary School has gained national recognition for its innovative design and use of materials. The project was featured on BBC News and named one of “Scotland’s Best New Buildings of 2019.” Today, it stands as a benchmark for modern school design in the UK, successfully combining architectural excellence with functional infrastructure and sustainable construction solutions.
Used Products
