Rockfield School, Oban

The project consisted of the alteration and refurbishment of the former Rockfield Primary School, which originally opened in 1877, and is one of the most iconic buildings in Oban. The finished project provides a centre piece Community Hub designed to meet the needs of various community groups.

One of the key funders was Historic Environment Scotland and it was a funding stipulation that the external fabric was retained as much as possible. The slate roof was overhauled, and original ventilation and metalwork features reinstated where previously removed. All ridge and valley flashings were replaced with original lead detailing by a member of the lead contractor’s association. Many of the windows were the original sash and case windows and had suffered severe damage from years of neglect and vandalism. A total of 79 windows were fully overhauled including renewal of bottom sashes, new slimlite double glazed units and new cords / weights throughout and repointing in stone mastic.

Internally, as much as possible of the existing finishes were retained and repaired whilst the internal layout was reconfigured to suit future users. New heating, domestic hot and cold water, power and lighting were installed throughout with careful consideration being given to cable and pipe routes to minimise distribution to the existing building fabric. An extension was installed to the very constrained space to the rear of the building to provide additional plant, office, meeting space and a new staircase to serve these areas.