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The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) Awards 2021 have been announced and Bell Street Stables conversion designed by Collective Architecture for Wheatley Housing Association wins Historic Environment Scotland (HES) Conservation and Climate Change Award.<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
RIAS writes:<\/p>\n
A remarkable conversion of a Victorian council depot to create 52 new homes for affordable rent in the centre of Glasgow has been named as the winner of Historic Environment Scotland\u2019s Conservation and Climate Change Award, a Special Category Award of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland\u2019s (RIAS) Awards.<\/p>\n
The conversion of Bell Street Stables was designed by Collective Architecture for Wheatley Housing Association, and has provided 52 mid-market flats for rent, enabling more affordable living in a characterful historic building in the heart of Glasgow.<\/p>\n
Bell Street Stables was originally built in 1896-98 to house the Glasgow City Cleansing Department\u2019s horses, carts and equipment. In converting the vacant Category B listed building, Collective Architecture retained many significant elements of the existing building, including a rare and distinctive horse ramp, which enabled horses to access stables on the upper floors, as well as horse stalls, water fountains and troughs. The car-free courtyard has been re-laid with setts to create a communal heart to the complex.<\/p>\n
The project repaired the existing building\u2019s masonry fabric using stone sourced from the original quarry, and also supported employment in the city as well as local contractors, with the iron access gates repaired by a nearby blacksmiths firm that made them well over a century ago.<\/p>\n
Steven Robb, Deputy Head of Historic Buildings within the Planning, Consents and Advice Service at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), said:<\/p>\n
\u201cIn this crucial year for climate action, as Scotland prepares to host COP26, we are delighted to celebrate an outstanding example of the sustainable reuse of our historic environment. Retaining and reusing the historic buildings we already have will play a key role on our journey to net-zero.<\/p>\n
\u201cConverting existing buildings is often seen as a challenge for Housing Associations. Therefore, we warmly welcome the decision by Wheatley Housing Association to invest in not only an existing building but a listed building \u2013 a physical reminder of Glasgow\u2019s industrial, horse-powered heritage. Together with Collective Architecture, they have given a fascinating building a new lease of life, and created a fantastic place to live in the heart of Glasgow\u2019s city centre.\u201d<\/p>\n
Two further adaptations of historic Scottish buildings received commendations from the RIAS and Historic Environment Scotland:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Edinburgh Printmakers by Page\\Park Architects \u2013 the re-use of a derelict Edinburgh factory as a workspace, gallery, shop and caf\u00e9 for Edinburgh Printmakers
\n\u2022 Water\u2019s Edge Dundee by Nicoll Russell Studios \u2013 the transformation of a mid-19th century transit shed into new flexible office space for Tayforth Properties<\/p>\n
RIAS President Christina Gaiger PRIAS said:<\/p>\n
\u201cThe RIAS is extremely grateful to Historic Environment Scotland for supporting the RIAS\/HES Conservation and Climate Change Award. The re-use of existing buildings is a critical element in addressing climate change, preserving our shared heritage, and meeting people\u2019s housing needs. Bell Street Stables demonstrates how architects and clients can work together to breathe new life into old places for the benefit of us all.\u201d<\/p>\n