14 September 2020

Aberdeenshire Architectural and Landscape Design Award finalists 2020 announced

Aberdeenshire Architectural and Landscape Design Awards is a biannual scheme which looks to celebrate innovative and sustainable design principles, the creation of new communities, the sensitive adaptation of existing buildings and the imaginative use of materials in both residential and commercial developments.

For the 12th year of the Design Awards a different approach to previous years had to be explored due to Covid-19 restrictions.

This saw the adaption of the whole process taking on a virtual approach, which brings about its own challenges, however these were overcome during the first round of judging to decide on our 27 finalists, across six categories, to go through to the final round as well as our three student finalists.

Deciding on only 27 finalists was no easy task from more than 75 entries. The judging panel was impressed with the submissions this year which were of an extremely high standard, showcasing the highest quality of architecture and landscape design to be found in Aberdeenshire.

The broad variety of submissions ranged from a hotel, to a pictish stone shelter to a community garden.

Below are a small selection of some of the finalists:

Redwood Glen Strachan - Innovative Single House Design category

This house has been designed with North American architecture in mind yet working within the context of Aberdeenshire. The design and layout of the house has been considered with accessibility in mind for the ageing of the occupant.

Old Forge Tomindhu - Innovative Single House Design category

This has seen the bringing back of a small derelict cottage to create a small and energy efficient home in rural Aberdeenshire. The cottage has been extended to create larger living space using materials traditional materials and methods.

Dalrack Cottage Ballater - Innovative Single House Design category

A replacement cottage for the original which was extensively damaged during the 2015 flooding of Ballater. The design is an interesting solution to a small site, following inspiration from a traditional ‘back house’ found in Ballater to house domestic staff.  The design has measures for flood resilience built in.

Linkwood Pitmedden - Innovative Single House Design category

Has been built on an elevated position to make the best use of the panoramic views. The design uses large windows to make the most of the views and natural light.

Silver Birches Alford - Landscape Design category

Creating a parkland theme through the use of planting and building up of ground. The design prioritises landscaped pedestrian areas creating a large area for the enjoyment of the residents. The natural habitats around the burn have been enhanced to encourage wildlife and ecology.  

Fife Arms Braemar – Conservation and Building Adaption category

An extensive 4 year restoration programme has seen the Category B listed building brought back into use creating a sensitively designed hotel which offers a unique guest experience.

Deans Coffee Stop - Business Enterprise category

A design inspired from shipping containers to fit into a small underused space within a carpark, taking inspiration from the surrounding industrial buildings. An adaptive building which can use the internal space in various ways.  

This year’s judging panel comprised a variety of industry experts from across Scotland with a new addition for 2020 of a final year architecture student from the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture. Each judge has a specialism which correlates to the categories, allowing for a knowledgeable voice to steer the group and raise questions to aid the other judges thoughts. 

The virtual theme is set to continue into both the second round of judging and the celebration of the category winners which is to be held in the New Year.

Further information on the finalists can be found at https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/planning/built-heritage/aberdeenshire-design-awards/