Third design awards for Hebrides builds

Held last week in the Woodlands Centre, in Stornoway the evening was a relaxed event, with awards presented by Cllr. Gordon Murray, Comhairle Design Champion.

After the event, Cllr Murray commented: “All of the developments we have awarded deserve recognition, and the high quality of design in the nominations is testament to the fact that those recognised are reaching an exceptional standard.

“We look forward to the next round of awards in two years, and hope to encourage more nominations – we should not be too modest to recognise and celebrate the success of our new and restored buildings and those who make it all possible.”

During the evening, those in attendance heard a personal reflection on architecture and design from Dr Gordon Anderson of local practice Anderson Associates.

A key remark that resonated with the audience was tha:t “We are all here because we appreciate good design and it enriches our lives.”

The aim of the awards is to recognise the contribution that well designed buildings bring to both people and landscape, whether you are using the building or viewing it while passing by, travelling through the islands.

Top awards went to buildings in Great Bernera in Lewis and three of the top four awards went to Harris.

In closing the prestigious event Keith Bray, Head of Development Services with the Comhairle, thanked all those who had made submissions to the awards and again noted the high quality of the nominated developments.

The awards will be held again in 2018, and the Comhairle looks forward to the opportunity of recognising once again the exceptional effort and results of those involved in creating the future built development of the Outer Hebrides. One of the new development to win recognition is at Borrisdale, Isle of Harris

Appropriately titled “Sound of Harris”, the winning development occupies a commanding cliff top position at the southernmost tip of the island.

Comprising a single storey dwelling, with adjoined annex and a separate outbuilding, housing an office, studio and weaving shed, the development was recognised in the category for Housing (Self-design).

Owner, Rob English acknowledged the key contributions made by Project Manager, Jonathan Bridge, and principal contractors, DJ Macisaac and Neil Macphee, of South Uist, in addition to the local trades in South Harris.

He added: “It was a challenging project, undertaking construction on a bare land site in a coastal location. Switching construction techniques before the main phase of the build from a structural insulated panel system (SIP), to more traditional framing techniques, added to the complexities. However, the development has truly exceeded our expectations and we are extremely honoured to be recognised in this year’s Design Awards”.

Award winners:

Housing – Self Design: Winner – 8A and 8B Borrisdale

Housing – Architect/Designer: Winner – 2a Croir

Business / Non-domestic: Winner – Iomairt an Obain, 2 East Tarbert

Conservation: Winner – Tarbert Hub

Pictured above are the award winners from the left: Mr Duncan Porteous, Mr Rob English, Mrs Diana Calvert, Mr Geoff Calvert, Mr Alasdair Macleod, Dr Gordon Anderson, Mr Andrew Marshall, Mr Christopher Graham.