2022 EAA Awards for Architecture

BUILDING OF THE YEAR

FRASER/LIVINGSTONE ARCHITECTS

SIMON SQUARE

JUDGES’ COMMENTS

“Simon Square demonstrates how the development of tight urban brownfield sites can offer new, high quality homes in the city, without compromising on amenity; these are apartments which are light and bright, enjoying dual and triple aspect in many rooms to harness sunlight through the day. Of particular interest is the robust choice of materials: the limewash brick exterior contrasting with the warmer cross laminated timber interior. Use of MVHR combined with high insulation levels should minimise energy required to maintain comfort, issues that are increasing urgent and important in the context of twin crisis of climate breakdown and cost of living. 

The building uses cross laminated timber as both structure and for the internal finish, a first for developer-led housing in Scotland. A project of this size could have been built with a conventional timber frame, but CLT brings robustness to the construction and allows for off-site manufacture to speed up construction on site. The use of timber for internal finishes defines the character of the building, creating spaces which are calm and warm, with gentle acoustics.  

Simon Square takes its place within the streetscape, challenging conventions for infill residential development in the city whilst respecting the scale and form of its neighbours. It demonstrates the commercial viability of CLT, and advances the case for domestic CLT manufacture in Scotland, an impact beyond its modest scale as a project. It is an ambitious, complex and well executed project which progresses the values of architecture – well done to all involved.”

Many thanks to Laurence McIntosh, sponsors of the EAA Building of the Year 2022!