Project: Scottish Borders Council, Inspire Academy
Segment: Education
Country/city: United Kingdom, Tweedbank
Architect: Gordon Brown, Scottish Borders Council
Installer: Universal Ceilings
Main contractor: Scottish Borders Council Contracts
Sub-contractor: Universal Ceilings
Photographer: Gordon Brown, Scottish Borders Council
Project size: Approx. 300 m² (floor space)

Inspire: Tweedbank is a project led by Scottish Borders Council to promote digital learning to the people of the Scottish Borders. This project involved the fit-out of an existing building to create a space unlike any other teaching space in this region. At its heart, Inspire: Tweedbank, aims to break down the barriers between people and technology by providing a unique space where digital skills can be taught using a variety of methods. This concept is central to the design of this space which is achieved by accommodating multiple teaching spaces unhindered by physical barriers. As Gordon Brown from Scottish borders council explains:

“The nature of the open plan learning space where students often need to concentrate made acoustics essential for the success of the project by minimising distraction from noise.”

The teaching space features a media theatre, a workshop, a computer lab, and a comfort zone which enable a different method of teaching suited to the needs of the users. The architect has also made clever use of furniture to ensure the space remains visually unobstructed creating a welcoming sense of transparency and inclusivity.

This project was delivered by SBC Architects who worked closely with their Education Client and their internal contractor, SBC Contracts, to deliver this project collaboratively.

“We chose Ecophon because of their reputation, knowing from experience that the product would work, variety of product offering, adaptable, have the expertise and depth of knowledge of acoustics to properly advise the optimum acoustic design and product solutions.”

Ecophon acoustic products were also an important and prominent part of the striking aesthetics. Several different Ecophon products were incorporated into the design including, Solo Matrix, Solo Rectangle, Solo Baffle, Solo Freedom, in some areas these were set against contrasting ceiling materials such as live plants and metal mesh to excellent effect.

The project’s success has resonated throughout the region and demonstrated the quality of design workmanship that can be delivered by the Scottish Borders Council.