A NEW school in Edinburgh, a stunning modern home by a Highland loch and the building that houses the archive of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority in Wick have been chosen as three Scottish winners of the UK’s most prestigious architectural awards.
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has named Boroughmuir High School, Edinburgh, designed by Allan Murray Architects Ltd; Lochside House, West Highlands, designed by Haysom Ward Miller Architects and Nucleus, The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Caithness Archive, Wick, designed by Reiach and Hall Architects, as the winners of the 2018 RIBA awards for Scotland. All three have also been named as winners of RIBA’s overall national awards, putting them in the top 49 new UK buildings.
The RIBA Scottish awards were announced alongside the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland’s awards, presented to the best 12 new buildings in the country. Each of the RIBA winners were RIAS nominees.
RIBA said of Nucleus: “The judges unanimously felt that this was an impressive industrial project which has created an ethereal and beautifully sculpted building.”
The citation for Boroughmuir High School stated: “The judges were unanimous in their view that this was an exceptional project.
“Very impressive compact planning, allowing for large well-lit spaces. Excellent acoustic treatment and a very intelligent fire/smoke/ventilation strategy mean that both large multi-height atria are not enclosed by walls or screens.
“The plan and section are rational, legible and ordered. There is an excellent relationship between inside and out at both main levels, and the public realm has been beautifully handled.”
Councillor Alison Dickie, Edinburgh Council’s education vice convener, said: “It’s no surprise that the new Boroughmuir High School has won yet another architecture award as it’s a fantastic building. I was at the official opening last week and everyone there was struck by the huge open atrium where over 1000 pupils gathered. They now have extra classrooms, science laboratories, improved social spaces for pupils plus new catering facilities.
“Sports provision has increased from two small PE halls to five new areas, there’s a fitness suite, dance studio and let’s not forget the first roof top games area in Scotland so I’m sure this won’t be their last award.”
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