Architect behind North Gate social housing project secures special RIAS award
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North Gate (Image: Nick Kane)
The winners of the special category awards of the 2024 Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) Awards have been announced with a Glasgow social housing development singled out for recognition.
James Brimble of architecture practice Page\Park was one of five special category awards winners for the North Gate Social Housing project in Glasgow.
He received the Project Architect of the Year award, which was sponsored by Equitone.
North Gate is a social housing scheme on the south side of Glasgow, primarily designed to suit the needs of older residents. The judges praised James Brimble as an architect whose passionate presentation, conviction and commitment to the project showcase his dedication to providing a space that residents clearly care for.
Other award winners included:
Award for architectural interiors – sponsored by Laurence McIntosh
Ardoch, Ballater, Aberdeenshire by Moxon Architects
A hillside farmstead overlooking the River Dee has been restored, reinstated and reinvented following a decade-long project of careful reconstruction. The judges described the building as a project that contains highly crafted interventions, working with local cabinetry makers and steelworkers to create an exquisitely detailed and mesmerising interior.
Client of the year award – sponsored by TSA Scotland
The Fruitmarket Gallery, for The Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh, by Reiach and Hall Architects
Edinburgh’s popular Fruitmarket Gallery has been refurbished and extended, bringing a neighbouring warehouse building into use. The judges described The Fruitmarket Gallery as a passionate client who worked collaboratively with the architects to challenge established norms as to how art can be displayed and received.
Timber award – sponsored by Scottish Forestry/Confor
Simon Square, Edinburgh by Fraser/Livingstone Architects
This modest housing development unlocks the potential of an old builder’s yard, successfully fitting into the tight and eclectic urban grain of Edinburgh’s Southside. Its structural framing is formed from Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) which, for the first time in Scottish tenement development, has been left exposed. This helps to create a building with an internal calmness and natural feel, setting a new benchmark for tenement design.
Architectural heritage award – sponsored by VELUX
The Burrell Collection, Glasgow by John McAslan + Partners
A major refurbishment of this internationally significant building has opened up the heart of the museum to unlock additional space and improve connections throughout the building. The judges praised The Burrell Collection as a project where careful consideration was given to every aspect of the design, in order to work with the existing building’s architectural language and materials palette.
Tamsie Thomson, chief executive of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, said: “The RIAS is extremely grateful to the sponsors of the special category awards – Laurence McIntosh, Equitone, TSA Scotland, Forestry Scotland/Confor and VELUX - for their generous support. Thanks to them, these special category awards celebrate the architects and clients behind some of Scotland’s best new buildings, and showcase excellence in terms of outstanding interior design, care for Scotland’s built heritage, and the use of timber as a sustainable, natural material.
“The RIAS Awards are Scotland’s national architecture awards, and by themselves a huge accolade. The special category awards go to those buildings which go even further in terms of demonstrating excellence, so my warmest congratulations to this year’s winners for their outstanding achievements.”