We’re proud to have played a key role in one of the UK’s most ambitious and environmentally significant educational developments—the Woodmill and St Columba’s RC High School in Dunfermline, recently certified as the world’s largest Passivhaus education building.
Working in close partnership with P1 Contractors Ltd, we supplied over 200 semi-mature trees, more than 19,000 shrubs, herbaceous plants, hedging species, and 2,000 spring bulbs to help create a dynamic, resilient, and biodiverse outdoor environment for this landmark campus.
Designed by AHR Architects and built by BAM UK and Ireland on behalf of Fife Council and Hub East Central Scotland, the 26,666 m² campus unites two secondary schools on a single, future-focused site. Certified to the Passivhaus Classic standard in June 2025, the project represents a global benchmark in low-energy, high-performance educational buildings.
At Johnsons Nurseries, we take pride in growing and delivering the highest quality nursery stock, but projects like this go far beyond logistics—they align with our commitment to sustainable landscapes that support both people and the planet.
“We are incredibly proud to have supplied the plants for such a landmark development in sustainable education,” said Graham Richardson, Managing Director of Johnsons of Whixley. “Our team worked closely with P1 Contractors to ensure every plant was grown, selected, and delivered to meet the specific requirements of this pioneering Passivhaus project. It’s fantastic to see our stock forming part of a green space that will enrich the lives of students and staff for generations.”
The planting scheme, implemented by P1 Contractors, combines native species, pollinator-friendly meadows, and innovative rain gardens, creating rich, functional landscapes that complement the Passivhaus design principles of energy efficiency, wellbeing, and long-term sustainability.
P1’s Ryan Whitelaw summed it up perfectly:
“We’re not only cutting the campus’s carbon footprint—we’re giving students a living classroom that will flourish for decades to come.”
This project is more than a school—it’s a statement of intent for how public buildings in Scotland, and beyond, can be designed and maintained in harmony with the environment. It also acts as a pathfinder for Scotland’s Net Zero Public Sector Buildings Standard, setting new expectations for what sustainable infrastructure can achieve.
We’re honoured that our plants will help define the outdoor identity of this trailblazing school, supporting biodiversity, seasonal interest, and wellbeing for students, staff, and the local community.
To learn more about our commercial plant supply capabilities and how we support environmentally conscious projects like this one, get in touch with our team today.
Posted 9th Jul 2:39pm
