First Passivhaus high school with pool opens in Edinburgh

The new £65m Currie Community High School has opened in Edinburgh, marking a UK first as the only high school with a Passivhaus-certified swimming pool. Built to the rigorous Passivhaus standard, the ultra-low carbon facility provides 1,000 student places across three floors of bright, healthy, and inspiring learning spaces. Alongside its state-of-the-art teaching blocks, the school includes extensive health and fitness facilities, a café, outdoor play areas, a sensory garden, and public allotments – creating a true community hub. Delivered by Kier on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, the school consumes up to 70% less energy than a traditional build, significantly reducing its environmental impact.


The installation of Metal Technology’s System 5-45 Passive House Tilt & Turn Windows by Avtek contributed to Passivhaus certification by improving thermal efficiency and indoor air quality. Additional high performance façade and glazing systems from Metal Technology have been seamlessly integrated to meet the project’s exacting performance and aesthetic requirements. We are proud to have contributed to this landmark project, delivering a sustainable, future-ready environment for students and the wider community.

Image credit: Kier

Hawkhill Primary School opens in Winchburgh

The new Hawkhill Primary School in Winchburgh has been delivered by Morrison Construction to provide much-needed additional educational capacity for the growing community.

Metal Technology’s high-performance glazing products were installed by Linn-Tech Scotland to meet the stringent thermal and environmental performance standards. The systems combine durability, low maintenance, and energy efficiency, ensuring a comfortable and sustainable learning environment for pupils and staff. Designed by JM Architects, the building adopts a distinctive ‘barn’ form with profiled cladding, creating a contemporary landmark on arrival to Winchburgh while reflecting the site’s agricultural and industrial past. 

Imagery: Hub South East Scotland

Bearsden Primary Refurbishment

Metal Technology’s high-performance window systems have been installed by Avtek Ltd as part of the £2.3 million refurbishment of Bearsden Primary School. Delivered by East Dunbartonshire Council in partnership with McLaughlin & Harvey Construction Ltd and SCAPE Scotland, the project involved extensive restoration works to the historic 1910s building to safeguard its long-term use. 

In addition to the new windows, the refurbishment programme included stonework repairs and the installation of replacement boilers, ensuring the school now benefits from improved energy efficiency and a renewed lifespan, while maintaining the integrity of its original architecture.

Imagery: Avtek Ltd

Cotswolds Designer Outlet – a prestigious new retail village

Metal Technology’s System 4-35 Windows and System 10-35 Hi+ Doors have been installed by Duplus Architectural Systems at the new Cotswolds Designer Outlet in Tewkesbury.

Recently opened to the public, the first phase of this major retail destination delivers over 136,000 sq ft of premium retail and F&B space, developed by Bouygues UK. Metal Technology’s high-performance systems were specified to provide excellent thermal insulation, security, and durability, ensuring the scheme meets the stringent performance standards required for a modern, high-footfall retail environment. Anchored by international brands including BOSS, Adidas, and Cadbury, the outlet is set to become a key retail hub for the region and a major draw for visitors.

Imagery: Bouygues UK

Exploring Passive House Design & Aluminium Façade Systems

Thanks to everyone who joined our recent online CPD session. It was great to connect with more than 75 professionals from our UK-wide fabricator network, highlighting the growing interest in Passive House design and high-performance façade systems. We covered the key principles behind Passive House and how high-performance aluminium façade systems can help meet the strict requirements of thermal efficiency and sustainability.

Key topics we discussed:

✅ What is Passive House, the three tiers: Classic, Plus & Premium
✅ Uf, Ug & Uw values and why frame-to-glass ratios matter
✅ Thermal bridging & airtightness: the real-world challenges
✅ Importance of correct installation for compliance
✅ Real case studies including premium-level projects like Southwest College
✅ Our role as System suppliers in guiding specifications, technical support, thermal analysis, and certification support

As the industry continues to push for higher building performance and sustainability, these conversations are more important than ever.

To discuss your next Passive House / EnerPHit Standard project, or to arrange a CPD presentation, please contact your local Metal Technology Ltd Area Manager:

➡️ Scotland – garry.zinkiewicz@metaltechnology.com

➡️ England (North) & North Wales – greg.wyness@metaltechnology.com

➡️ England (Midlands) – richard.rutherford@metaltechnology.com

➡️ England (South West) & South Wales – simon.cottee@metaltechnology.com

➡️ England (South East) – louisa.cairns@metaltechnology.com

➡️ Northern Ireland/ Republic of Ireland – tony.rosbotham@metaltechnology.com

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