Entries Sought For Design Award Scheme 2007
Friday, February 9 2007
The search is on again for the best designed buildings in the Scottish Borders, with the launch of the Scottish Borders Council Design Award Scheme 2007.
Last run in 2000, entries are now being invited for the competition. Organised by the Countryside & Heritage Section of the Planning & Economic Development Department, the Award Scheme is intended to recognise and publicise examples of good design in the Scottish Borders.
Principal Heritage & Design Officer, Mark Douglas explained, “This local scheme aims to encourage high standards of design from architects, designers, developers and property owners. The Council sponsors the scheme as a method of promoting quality in design within the Scottish Borders.”
Previous winners of 2000 included Glenview Children’s Home, Galashiels (winner of the New Build Category); Douglas Scott House, Bemersyde (Winner of New Housing in the Countryside); and Whithou, Coldstream, a conversion of a former cart shed into a house (Winner of Conservation category).
This year, there are three separate entry categories: New Build (including housing); Conservation (including alterations and extensions to existing buildings); and for the first time, a category for Sustainable Design.
This year it is hoped to build on the number of entries submitted in previous years, in particular in the new category for Sustainable Design. Ian Lindley, Director of Planning & Economic Development explained “The Council has added this new category to celebrate and draw attention to the many good schemes in the region that demonstrate awareness of and practical responses to climate change and sustainable design. The Award Scheme will help to promote the importance of correct siting and orientation of buildings; using locally sourced materials and renewable energy technologies.”
A panel of independent experts will judge the competition in mid-April 2007, with the winners being invited to an awards ceremony in early June 2007. A certificate and cast aluminium plaque will be presented to the winner in each category and, at the judges’ discretion, commendations may also be made.
Following the Awards Ceremony, it is intended that all of the applications will form a travelling exhibition that will be displayed throughout the Borders, during the summermonths.
All types of projects are eligible; small to large scale; urban or rural; domestic or commercial. Projects must be within the Scottish Borders area and have been completed and occupied in the period between 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2006. The owners or designers can make applications to the Award Scheme and there is no entry fee.
Submissions should be made no later than Friday 30 March 2007. Details and application forms are available from Kirsteen Woods, Heritage & Design Section, Planning and Economic Development, Council Headquarters, Newtown St Boswells. Telephone 01835-825060 or access our website http://www.scotborders.gov.uk/life/environment/builtheritage/18718.html
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