Subscribe to our Construction Newsfeed
Scotland Construction Directory
Search our 14,047 companies....

Construction News

06/06/2022

RIAS Announces Its Buildings Of The Year

Eight buildings have been named winners in Scotland's national architecture awards by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS).

Drawn from all across Scotland, the winners of the RIAS Awards 2022 include a new secondary school that places students' mental health and well-being at the heart of its design, the rescue and restoration of an iconic Modernist house, and an exquisite rural office building on the edge of the Balmoral Estate.

The 2022 RIAS Awards winners are:

• Forth Valley College – Falkirk Campus, Falkirk by Reiach and Hall Architects

The new Falkirk Campus for Forth Valley marks the culmination of a decade-long estates programme, and an exceptional period of collaboration between the college and Reiach and Hall Architects. With a focus on science and technology, engineering, sport and healthcare, the project embodies a progressive approach to education where inclusion and respect are key, and which is enhanced by cutting edge classrooms, flexible spaces and advanced technology.

• Havenfield Mews, Edinburgh by Sonia Browse Architects

Havenfield Mews is a development of three family townhouses in a new mews street in Portobello, on the site of a former church hall. The small-scale project is sympathetic to the existing style and character of the neighbourhood, and has been carefully designed as a place for people rather than for vehicles. The project prioritises a fabric first approach with careful consideration given to maximising passive heat gains. Despite the relatively constrained site, the houses are generously sized, characterful and filled with light.

• High Sunderland, Galashiels by Loader Monteith

High Sunderland is a 1957 Category A-listed modernist icon designed by Peter Womersley. Its future was in jeopardy following a fire in 2017 until new owners Juliet Kinchin and Paul Stirton – both Scottish historians of architecture and design – appointed Loader Monteith to undertake an extraordinarily careful and skilful restoration. The result combines a forensic approach to building conservation and reuse, while improving High Sunderland's energy performance.

• Jedburgh Grammar Campus, Jedburgh by Stallan-Brand Architecture + Design

-- Advertisement --
NorthernAsbestosServicesLtd

The concept of 'nurture' is generally confined to early years education – but not at Jedburgh Grammar. Here, the empathetic cut-off when students move into secondary education is swerved, thanks to a design that prioritises their mental health and well-being. Stallan-Brand Architecture + Design's approach has created flexible spaces that allow students to take ownership of their space, and instead of generic classrooms offers a variety of places for students to learn, present, socialise, make and retreat.

• Lockerbie Sawmill, Lockerbie by Konishi Gaffney

Konishi Gaffney did not have to look far for materials for the new offices and visitor centre at the UK's largest sawmill: the building acts as a demonstration project, almost entirely erected from James Jones and Sons' own products with an approach to minimising the use of steel and maximising timber. This ode to sustainable timber construction showcases the company's ambition as well as its operations; presenting a flagship for Scotland's timber industry.

• Ostro Passivhaus, Kippen by Paper Igloo

Ostro is a contemporary and exemplary low-energy dwelling, and dispels the myth that exquisite contemporary architecture cannot be truly low energy or environmentally beneficial. This was a labour of love: Paper Igloo's Mhairi Grant and Martin McCrae built the house by hand over several years on a modest budget. Nothing is unnecessary or superfluous and all parts meaningfully contribute to the story of the building, and its beauty and durability in the face of the climate crisis.

• Quarry Studios, Aberdeenshire by Moxon Architects

Moxon Architects' own office is a low-lying building, surrounded by thick forest, tucked into the bowl of a former quarry in the Cairngorm National Park. The building combines a studio and café; a private and a public face, with the latter providing valuable amenity to the small community. It is welcoming and accessible, with a layout that is conceptually tied to the landscape. The lightweight building nestles into its site, in harmony, and was designed to support local labour through the promotion of traditional trades and contemporary construction techniques.

• The Den, Tighnabruaich by Technique Architecture and Design in collaboration with Stallan-Brand

Two dilapidated flats were combined to create this holiday home and studio space – conceived as a playful den and lookout post with spectacular views across the Kyles of Bute. Stone walls and battered floorboards were retained within the split-level living space, encased within a new plywood volume containing the kitchen, bedrooms and storage, and clad with an insulated metal 'exoskeleton'. The result is an unashamedly contemporary addition to the town with equally unique interiors.

The RIAS Awards demonstrate the quality and breadth of architectural endeavour in Scotland. All types and sizes of architectural projects can win a RIAS Award, as the list of 2022 awards winners demonstrates. Buildings are assessed by an expert jury who look at each project's architectural integrity, usability and context, delivery and execution, and sustainability.

The winners of the RIAS Awards will now become the 'longlist' for the RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award – one of the most significant architecture prizes in the world - which will be

announced in November. Recipients of the 2022 RIAS Awards are also eligible for the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Awards.

RIAS President Christina Gaiger PRIAS said: "Once more I have been impressed and inspired by the breadth of exceptional projects to be recognised by the RIAS Awards. This year's awards demonstrate that you can find outstanding Scottish architecture pretty much anywhere – from city centres to some of the most remote spots in the country. The awards also demonstrate the resilience of our profession – whether that is a house built by hand over many years or projects delivered during the tough times of the pandemic. This year's awards show how Scottish architects are rising up to today's challenges – from the climate emergency to the nation's mental health – and prove the fundamental role that architecture plays in society."

The jury for the 2022 RIAS Awards were Murray Kerr (founder, Denizen Works), Christina Gaiger PRIAS (President, RIAS), Audrey Carlin (CEO, Wasps Studios) and Tony Chapman (former head of awards, RIBA).

Latest Construction News

24/07/2026
SSE has received Section 36 planning consent from the Scottish Government to upgrade its 152.5MW Sloy Hydro-electric Power Station at Inveruglas on the western shore of Loch Lomond. The consent provides the option to convert the existing plant into a pumped storage hydro scheme capable of deliverin
Read More
24/07/2026
Scotland's essential mineral producers have published a new report calling on the Scottish Government to unlock economic growth, streamline planning procedures, and support the construction supply chain. In its publication, Priorities for Scotland, the Mineral Products Association Scotland (MPAS) w
Read More
24/07/2026
Scotland's National Retrofit Centre (SNRC) has been shortlisted in the AJ Retrofit & Reuse Awards' Adaptive Reuse into Other category, recognising an ambitious decarbonisation demonstrator delivered with BE-ST, Clark Contracts and John Gilbert Architects (JGA). Run by The Architects' Journal, the a
Read More
24/07/2026
The veteran-owned company, staffed by former military combat medics, delivers on-site emergency care during working hours for teams installing the mainland cable between Dundonnell and Beauly. Backed by SSEN Transmission and contractor RJ McLeod, Spark Medical Ltd has joined GoodSAM, the volunteer
Read More
24/07/2026
Harry has completed a four-week paid work placement with Maxi Construction through the Career Ready programme. He began with Health and Safety Awareness training to build a solid foundation before joining site teams. During the placement he worked alongside Site Managers and shadowed a range of tra
Read More
24/07/2026
McTaggart Construction, a leading affordable housing contractor in Scotland, is marking a notable double milestone as four long-serving colleagues celebrate 20 years with the business in the same year the company turns 80. Office Manager Kim Easton, Payroll Manager Lorraine Brackenridge, Site Manag
Read More
24/07/2026
Bucksburn Swimming Pool has reopened following a £2.5m upgrade delivered by Morrison Construction on behalf of Aberdeen City Council, transforming the venue to improve accessibility and energy efficiency. The community facility welcomed visitors back with Olympic swimmer Hannah Miley joining local
Read More
24/07/2026
More than 100 builders came together in Oxfordshire for the FMB's National Conference, which doubled as a milestone celebration of the Federation's 85 years supporting the trade. Staged on 9–10 July at the Oxford Belfry Hotel & Spa, the event welcomed 156 delegates for a Business Conference under t
Read More
23/07/2026
GRAHAM has formally handed over the 321-studio St Vincent Studios purpose-built student accommodation to developer Artisan Real Estate, completing the £38m scheme in Glasgow city centre ahead of the 2026/27 academic year. The development on St Vincent Street was delivered by GRAHAM on behalf of Art
Read More
23/07/2026
SP Energy Networks has submitted a Section 37 consent application to the Scottish Government's Energy Consents Unit (ECU) for major upgrades to the electricity transmission network between Denny in Stirlingshire and Wishaw in Lanarkshire. Known as the Denny to Wishaw Network Upgrade (DWNO), the sch
Read More
SEEIT3DCelsius Plumbing and Heating (Edinburgh) LtdPrestige Concrete Sectional GaragesNorthern ContainersHorizon Reinforcing & Crane Hire Co LtdJ Building Contractors LtdLSMannCreagh Concrete Products LtdThe Sandstone SpecialistsMr Tint