2023 EAA Awards for Architecture

SMALL PROJECT AWARD

WINNER

Tap ARCHITECTS

studio for a printmaker

JUDGES COMMENTS

“This project Is a brilliant advocate for what can be achieved with a modest brief and a collaborative approach between architect and client. TAP have taken an under-used slip of land adjacent to the existing house and have transformed it into a beautifully lit, tranquil studio space. The extension occupies a small footprint but works hard to resolve several site constraints, creating a split-level link through to the rear garden which creates two defined spaces for studio and utility functions.

The responsible use of materials has been applied to maximum benefit with the glass block front façade creating a contemporary third bay window to the street, which provides this wonderful diffuse light into the studio and creates ideal conditions for the clients drawing and printmaking. The two metal clad cupolas have been angled to take advantage of the required orientation, providing optimum lighting levels for specific activities. The project was a real joy to visit, and it was wonderful to hear how TAP worked with the client, sharing inspiration and precedents such as the Maison De Verre, to design this beautiful studio space.”

commendation

AALTSPACE

THE HIDE, POLWARTH

JUDGES COMMENTS

“Every project and every site has a particular set of restrictions, sometimes these can be seen as an obstacle but the best architects find ways to turn these limitations into opportunities. This particular site had a change in level, an awkward geometry, a scheduled monument for a boundary, tree roots to navigate and an existing building to work with. 

As judges we were all impressed with the simple structural approach which seemed to resolve so many of these issues in such an elegant way. When that structural approach is combined with such crafted and considered details, the result is a project connects the house to its canal side setting in a way that makes a disproportionately positive impact on the existing building for a project of its size”

short-listed projects

The three short listed projects are (left to right above):

Eastside Wash House & Cartshed – Studio IMA & Building Workshop

Studio for a Printmaker – TAP Architects

The Hide, Polwarth – aaltspace

PLEASE FIND FURTHER IMAGES AND PROJECT INFORMATION BELOW

Congratulations to all short listed project teams!