RIAS architecture awards announce 12 best new buildings in Scotland

The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland  (RIAS) announced their 12 winners for the 2017 Architecture Awards last night at its annual Awards Dinner. The dozen are intended to represent the very best of current Scottish architecture and are shortlisted for the RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Buildings in Scotland Award, to be announced in November. 

With the awards entering their sixth year, the President of RIAS, Lain Connelly said: "The quality of contemporary Scottish architecture is well worthy of celebration. These awards demonstrate that buildings of all scales and throughout the country are exemplary in their design, execution and in what they deliver for their clients, users and communities."

Check out the 12 winning designs below, and the 6 special category awards winners in the gallery!

Fernaig Cottage, Wester Ross by Scampton and Barnett Architects.

From the judges: This adapted former shepherd’s cottage keeps faith with its original character. New red roofs echo the historic corrugated metal which features throughout the Highlands. A thing of gentle diligence, this new home enhances this remote little corner of Scotland.

Moray Place, Edinburgh by Somner Macdonald Architects. 

From the judges: In the 1930s, two adjoining townhouses were adapted to provide large floorplate apartments. While respecting the Georgian character of its spaces, bold design moves and the reconfiguration of the layout create a contemporary dwelling of real impact.

Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries in Dunfermline by Richard Murphy Architects.

From the judges: Bringing together museum, art galleries, meeting rooms and a café, alongside the world’s first Andrew Carnegie Library, the building is arranged around an internal “street”. This elegantly and legibly connects all of its facilities.

Edinburgh Road in Musselburgh by A449 LTD. 

From the judges: There are very few sites which combine proximity to a major conurbation with coastal views of this quality. Although set between a busy road and a public beach, this new home is simultaneously public and private, polite and deceptively large.

Newhouse of Auchengree in North Ayrshire by Ann Nisbet Studio. 

From the judges: On an elevation, commanding long views over the agricultural landscape, this cluster of separate spaces reflects the way that historic farm buildings developed over decades past. The zinc cladding reflects the light and cloud patterns of its setting.

Powis Place in Aberdeen by Carson&Partners. 

From the judges: This urban-edge site is bounded on three sides by busy roads, rising significantly front to back. Self-contained around an upper level courtyard, this robustly sculptural building enhances the locale. Entrance and shared social spaces open to the street.

City of Glasgow College-City Campus in Glasgow by Reiach and Hall Architects/Michael Laird Architects. 

From the judges: The initial impression is of immensity, boldly signalling the building’s presence as an important place of learning. The palette and form of the building are deliberately restrained to generate something of skill, clarity and elegance, on the grandest scale.

Eastwood Health Care Centre in Glasgow by Hoskins Architects.

From the judges: This is a substantial healthcare hub, serving a large area, bringing together NHS and Council services with four GP practices. The brick-clad exterior of the building, softened by timber accents, draws visitors into the welcoming atrium.

Due West in Argyll & Bute by cameronwebster architects. 

From the judges: This house is more than a match for the challenge of its dramatic site. Uncompromisingly rectilinear, its interior gains maximum benefit from the extraordinary views which it commands. In keeping with the exposed rock faces which embrace the building, its materials are robust.

Glendale Primary School and Bunsgoil Gháidhilg Ghleann Dail in Glasgow by Glasgow City Council-DRS Project Management & Design. 

From the judges: This shared English and Gaelic language campus brings together two schools on one site yet allows each to maintain its own distinct identity. Scale, form and materials respond to the historic tenemental character of the area.

Rockvilla—National Theatre of Scotland HQ in Glasgow by Hoskins Architects. 

From the judges: Described as “creative engine room” for the National Theatre, the existing structural frame was retained and re-clad to reinforce the industrial aesthetic. A restrained internal palette houses a double-height atrium/social space, rehearsal spaces, offices and meeting rooms.

James Gillespie's Campus in Edinburgh by jmarchitects. 

From the judges: Set within the Listed walls of the A Listed Bruntsfield Tower, these new buildings retain the historic campus quality of the school. The new development embraces the “full education journey” from nursery to secondary within attractive, flexible new facilities.