Scottish Borders Council Design Award Scheme 2007
Monday, August 27 2007
The winners of SBC’s Design Award Scheme have been announced.
The purpose of the scheme, organised by the Planning & Economic Department, is to recognise and publicise examples of good building design in the Scottish Borders. There were three separate entry categories: New Build (including housing); Conversion (including alterations and extensions to existing buildings); and for the first time, a category for Sustainable Design. Entries were invited for projects that had been completed between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2006 and we were very pleased to receive a total of 38 entries.
Councillor Carolyn Riddell-Carre, Executive Member for Planning and Environment said: “One of the promises made by the new Administration of the Council was to ‘defend the character of the Borders by raising standards of building design, including renewable requirements’. This Award scheme represents a positive element in our drive to improve design standards by recognising and highlighting examples of good design already completed. I am also pleased to see that a new category has been introduced this year for Sustainable Design.”
Judging was undertaken by an independent panel over two days in April with the support of the RTPI (Royal Town Planning Institute), RIAS (Royal
Incorporation of Architects in Scotland) and the AHSS (Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland) – in particular, David Suttie (RTPI); Ken Lochrie (RIAS); Audrey Gardner (AHSS) and Samuel Foster (Gaia Architects) under the overall chairmanship of former Councillor Alistair Hewat who also acted as the local lay representative.
The winners were presented with their awards by Councillor Carolyn Riddell-Carre and the results were as follows:
NEW BUILD CATEGORY
• Design Award – The Orchard, Newstead
This small housing development was designed by architects Patience & Highmore Ltd for Eildon Housing Association and built by J S Crawford Contracts (Borders) Ltd.
The judges commented that the scheme, set within the conservation area, responded to the sloping site and made a positive addition to the streetscape, with good quality detailing.
• Commendation – Heriot Toun Studio, Heriot
This new studio was designed by Reiach & Hall Architects for Mr & Mrs Law and constructed by Quercus Rural Building Design.
The judges highlighted the crisp detailing and simple form of this well sited building and were also pleased to note that a ground source heat pump has been installed.
CONSERVATION (ALTERATIONS/ EXTENSION) CATEGORY
• Design Award – The Steading, Morebattle
The conversion and remodelling of part of a traditional steading was designed by Will Grime Architect for Paul and Helen Grime and largely self-built with assistance from the joiner Spike Wilson.
The panel considered this scheme to be an inspiring mixture of modern and traditional materials and in particular complimented the good relationship between the inside and outside of the house and the way that the character of the original farm building has been respected.
• Commendation – Boglesknowe, Biggar
A single storey extension to an existing house was designed by architects Smith Scott Mullen Associates for Dr & Mrs Colles and built by MHC Construction.
The judges were impressed by the way that the extension to the front blended with the original building using similar materials and by the dramatic rear elevation with balcony over the ravine which was unapologetically modern.
SPECIAL RESTORATION AWARD – BARNS TOWER, BY PEEBLES
The restoration of a tower house dating back to the late sixteenth century was designed by The Pollock Hammond Partnership for Lady Elizabeth Benson. The works were undertaken using traditional “separate trades” contracts with many craftsmen collaborating on the project.
The panel wished to acknowledge this restoration project, which they considered to be a good example of a positive reuse of the tower with
modern internal detailing and traditional external details reflecting the building’s history – it was noted that timber from the estate was used for the restoration works.
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN CATEGORY
• Design Award – Grange Wood, Coldingham
This new house in a woodland setting was both designed and built by Quercus Rural Building Design for Mr & Mrs Thomas.
The panel commented on the holistic approach to this sustainable building which incorporated wind power and photovoltaic panels. The building, which made use of local timber, was designed as a ‘light touch’ and appears to be floating on the ground with a very flexible internal space.
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