Edinburgh projects in running for Saltire Society design prize

AN extension to a Georgian house is among four city projects shortlisted for a prestigious prize.

Solen Vinklar. Picture: Saltire Society

They have all been nominated in this year’s Saltire Society Housing Design Awards, with the winners due to be announced later this month.

The awards are part of a programme of special events planned to celebrate the society’s 80th anniversary year.

East Claremont Street, Solen Vinklar and Sunken Extension feature in the Alterations, Renovation and Extensions category.

Sunken Extension. Picture: Saltire Society

They will be up against projects from elsewhere in Scotland, including Saltcoats Farm Steading in Gullane.

The judging panel is guest-chaired by the broadcaster Kirsty Wark.

She said: “There’s so much creativity in the housing sector in Scotland, such thoughtful forward-thinking architecture and design which enhances our cityscapes and landscapes, so that our houses can be a joy to experience, either dwelling in them or admiring them.”

Jude Barber, convener of the Saltire Society Housing Design Awards, added: “The standard of shortlisted entries has, as ever, been immeasurably high.”

Tudsberry Court. Picture: Saltire Society

The Sunken Extension – which saw a B-listed Georgian house revamped – was designed by Konishi Gaffney Architects and boasts west-facing windows to catch the rays of the setting sun.

Scandinavian-style Solen Vinklar, designed by David Blaikie Architects, doubles the floor area of the house – all on a very tight budget.

The East Claremont Street project, by David Blaikie Architects, is a “glass box” extension of a B-listed, early-Victorian townhouse.

Representing Edinburgh in the Landscape in Housing category is Tudsbery Court in Craigmillar, designed by Smith Scott Mullan Associates.

East Claremont Street. Picture: Saltire Society

It provides 73 new houses and flats on a former brownfield site on the edge of the Thistle Foundation Conservation Area.

This development will be up against Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games Athletes Village, a proposed mixed-use community development on the historic Stoneywood Estate near Aberdeen and Blakeburn Cottage near Melrose, which is also shortlisted in the Alterations, Renovation and Extensions category.

This year’s awards ceremony will take place on June 30 at the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation. The winner of the Saltire Medal and accompanying £1500 prize fund will also be announced.

The event will feature a “Test of Time” discussion as part of the Saltire Society’s 80th anniversary celebrations, as well as marking 2016 as Scotland’s year of innovation, architecture and design.