2022 EAA Awards for Architecture

WOOD AWARD

WINNER

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.”

COMMENDED

HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT SCOTLAND

ARDOCH BURN CROSSING, DOUNE CASTLE

JUDGES’ COMMENTS

“The Ardoch Burn Crossing at Doune Castle is both an innovative and elegant piece of bridge design. Three mass timber arches, formed from short lengths of locally sourced spruce glued and screwed off site to form a single structure, span across the burn below. This simple structure, which pushes the potential of local timber, is discreetly hidden beneath a complex and sculptural balustrade which brings a simplicity and delicacy to the overall form of the bridge. The unfinished sculptural balustrade will gently weather over time, allowing the bridge to root itself within its setting; a low-carbon, highly considered solution which touches gently into its historic and sensitive setting in the shadow of Doune Castle.”

Many thanks to Wood for Good, sponsors of the EAA Wood Award 2022