Dollar, Clackmannanshire, Scotland
Focusing on sustainability and innovation, Grimshaw unveils the designs for the Futures Institute at Dollar Academy (FIDA) in Scotland, aiming to meet the rigorous standards of the Living Building Challenge, which include net-zero energy consumption, water self-sufficiency, and the use of non-toxic, locally sourced materials.
FIDA is positioned to become a leading example of environmentally responsible and holistic architectural design, fostering an educational environment that not only teaches but also embodies principles of sustainability and ecological stewardship.
The design approach seeks to minimize embodied carbon through efficient, economic structural form and careful material selection. The only use of concrete is in the foundation.
The buildings’ enclosing walls are constructed with a glue-laminated timber frame filled with locally sourced stone in gabion frames.
The overall enclosure is fabricated from a lightweight, glue-laminated geodesic dome that is clad both with the latest generation of insulated ETFE pillows and solid insulated panes with photovoltaic panels.
This roof can maximize passive solar gain throughout the year with full ventilation capabilities for summer.
Flooded with natural light, the interior is meant to capture the sense of being in a highly-tempered outdoor space.
The ground floor is centered on a large open space for projects and performances and is linked to the first floor by stepped auditorium seating constructed from timber.
Workshops and laboratories line the perimeter with glazing providing transparency and openness.
The first floor is constructed from cross-laminated timber with space for traditional and experimental gardens.
A flexible, partitioned classroom structure spans the open void offering a multi-use landscaped roof terrace.
The project is expected to be completed in 2026.
Project: Futures Institute at the Dollar Academy Campus
Architects: Grimshaw Architects LLP.
Lead Architect: Andrew Whalley
MEP Engineers: Buro Happold
Client: Scottish Government
Renderings: Courtesy of the Architects
