Local authority announces its design award winners

A HISTORIC abbey, a cinema and a village hall are among the winners of a design competition organised by a Scots local authority.

The Argyll and Bute Design Awards recognises local architecture and restoration projects, such as that of Iona Abbey (pictured), winner of the ‘Public vote’ and ‘Large-scale’ categories.

The winners were, as follows (descriptions from Argyll and Bute Council):

Public vote – Iona Abbey

Iona Abbey is a world renowned A-listed and a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The refurbishment of the Iona Community’s residential accommodation at Iona Abbey won in the built heritage category.

Elected members’ vote – Campbeltown Picture House

Campbeltown Picture House is A-Listed. The project included the sensitive restoration of the historic main auditorium as well as the addition of a second screen and café bar.

Sustainable design – Lochend (Bute)

The redevelopment of a derelict farm steading provides affordable housing dwellings for ten households, with common ground for community building and outdoor living. The dwellings are starter homes available for private rent, set at an affordable level with the integral low-energy design strategy keeping utilities bills to a minimum.

Under £100k – Charcoal Huts (Bute)

The Charcoal Huts are the Bute Community Forest’s new eco-tourism venture. They consist of two small, off grid, timber accommodating huts and two composting WC cubicles of the same timber construction.

Built heritage – Asknish House (Lochgair)

Asknish House is an 18th century Georgian Palladian country house. After decades of being unoccupied, the property underwent careful restoration using traditional building materials coupled with modern technology.

Community-led regeneration – Rockfield, commended: Dunoon Burgh Hall

The Rockfield Centre is B-Listed former school. The renovation provides a mix of community, performance arts, heritage and social enterprise / business centre. The building had suffered from several years of neglect until 2015, when it was saved by its community.

Small-scale – Taigh an Ailtire (Tiree), commended: St Comagn’s Chapel (Kilchoan Estate) and Eilean da Mheinn (Crinan)

Taigh An Ailtire is a new build private dwelling house on Tiree. The unique design makes the house sit comfortably within the unique historic built environment of the island.

Large-scale – Iona Village Hall, commended: Helensburgh Leisure Centre

Iona Village Hall is located at the western edge of the village and forms a bookend to a cluster of civic buildings and the ruins of Iona Nunnery, a Scheduled Monument. Community input formed a vital part of the development of the brief and design, drawing on a deep understanding of island life, climate and social needs.

Picture credit: Dapple Photography for Argyll and Bute Council

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