In 2012 Hoskins Architects were commissioned to prepare a feasibility study for George Watson’s College’s 20 hectare campus in Edinburgh. In order to guide campus improvements over the next 15-20 year period, the study identified a number of development priorities, highlighting the school catering provision as a key area of focus.

The first built project to be realised by Hoskins Architects is the new Junior School Dining Hall. The project incorporates an extension of the existing dining facility, and refurbishing the existing building housing the kitchen and staff accommodation. The large-volume dining hall provides space for 420 pupils, along with sanitary accommodation and a large storage area. The front elevation is generously glazed, and can be opened up to provide a physical connection to the Junior School playground. The new spaces are all naturally ventilated with the necessary intake louvres carefully incorporated into the external elevations of the building. This ensures year-round comfort and low running costs. As well as dining facilities, the hall is designed to house a wide variety of school activities including: evening functions, parents’ café, after-school club and pipe band practice.