Old Town restoration wins architectural award

Advocates Close was one of 13 projects shortlisted. Picture: Greg Macvean

The revamp of the narrow close was one of 13 projects shortlisted for the RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award.

Judges said the development “brings new vibrancy to this precious but previously neglected area of the World Heritage Site”.

The development saw nine listed buildings, some dating back to the 15th century, transformed into commercial, office and residential spaces.

Judges paid tribute to the “care and deliberation” with which contemporary and historic had been brought together.

Morgan McDonnell Architecture received the prize of £25,000 and a gold medal at the awards ceremony in Edinburgh.

The development saw the buildings refurbished into commercial units, a restaurant, offices and a bar/bistro with serviced apartments.

The awards citation said the development had brought new life to the area

Their citation said: “It is the care and deliberation with which contemporary and historic have been brought together that is most deserving of praise.

“The architects and their enlightened client sought to rehabilitate a collection of historic buildings, characteristic of a unique setting. They have brought new life into an area which had previously been passed by.”

RIAS president Iain Connelly said the award had never been an “architectural beauty contest”. He added: “This year’s winner combines careful restoration with bold and uncompromisingly contemporary new additions in an idiom which is sensitive to its setting while avowedly ‘now’.

“The complexity of what  has been delivered and the architectural self-assurance with which it is achieved makes this an extraordinary, truly special and very deserving winner.”

The judging panel was tasked with looking for projects which showed innovation and design excellence, irrespective of size or type.

Other key considerations were detailing, accessibility, environmental issues and technical skill. The award was presented by Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop, who said: “Advocate’s Close exemplifies the highest standards of place-making providing a vibrant new quarter in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town and is a worthy winner of this year’s RIAS Andrew Doolan award.”

From the 83 entrants for the 2014 RIAS Awards, 13 were shortlisted for the award, which is named in honour of architect and entrepreneur Andrew Doolan, who founded the awards in 2002 but died two years later.