Challenge
Replacing a 1970s school that leaked heat and sound, on an island with one hardware store and a winter barge schedule.
2025 · Shetland · Civic
Black Sand School
Classrooms against a coastal wind
- Year
- 2025
- Location
- Shetland, Scotland
- Type
- Civic
- Status
- Built
- Area
- 1,650 sq m
- Client
- Shetland Islands Council
Shetland is loud. The school is a quiet instrument: earth walls, felted interiors, and a roof playground that only opens when the wind meter allows.
A primary school buried into a black sand berm so children can hear each other when the wind is severe.
Approach
Prefabricated timber cassettes shipped in August, clad in local stone, and packed with down insulation donated by a neighboring farm. Windows are small, deep, and south-facing. The hall doubles as the island storm shelter.
Outcome
Civic Design Award shortlist, 2025. Energy use is 41% below the Scottish school average. Enrollment rose for the first time in twelve years.
Credits
Lead
Sarah Hall
Education brief
Shetland School Board
Prefabrication
Clara Timber
Next project
Quiet Tower