Latest news with #CollectiveArchitecture
Glasgow Times
10-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow company CCG named Homebuilder of the Year 2025
CCG, based in Glasgow, won both the Homebuilder of the Year (Affordable Housing Provider) and Affordable Housing Development of the Year (Medium) at the Homes for Scotland Awards 2025. The second award was for the Water Row development in partnership with Govan Housing Group. Read more: Event to explore the history of one of Scotland's largest steelworks CCG has a significant focus on affordable housebuilding, with 1,200 affordable homes currently being constructed across the Central Belt. The company, which employs more than 630 staff members, including 48 apprentices, aims to foster quality, innovation, and social impact in delivering affordable homes. An important component of their strategy is the use of advanced construction methods and low-carbon technologies to address housing needs, combat fuel poverty, and help Scotland achieve net zero. David Wylie, managing director of CCG, said: "Being named Homebuilder of the Year is a tremendous honour and a testament to the dedication and talent of our 630-strong team. "What's particularly heartening is the strength of our culture being embraced across the company - especially by the growing number of younger colleagues, who are already becoming the backbone of our future. "Our people, along with our much-valued clients and delivery partners, have shown incredible resilience through a challenging year for the sector, with public sector budget cuts and inflationary pressures making it increasingly difficult to keep affordable homes affordable. "However, through close collaboration with our clients and early-stage contractor involvement, we've been able to better control costs and mitigate external risks - proving that this model delivers results. 'More clients are placing their trust in CCG to lead projects from the outset, and while we know more must be done to address the housing emergency, we're confident that we're on the right path – powered by the commitment and passion of our people.' The Water Row development, which earned CCG its second award, was completed in May 2024. It features 92 mid-market rental homes and 6 community-focused commercial spaces. Read more: Global firm promotes number of Glasgow staff to partner level The Water Row development (Image: Supplied) The Water Row development (Image: Supplied) Designed by Collective Architecture and constructed with CCG's innovative 'iQ' Timber System, the project is a benchmark for sustainability in urban regeneration, achieving EPC A ratings through a non-gas energy strategy. The project occupies a key site along the River Clyde, adjacent to the Govan-Partick bridge. David said: "Water Row has not only delivered much-needed, energy-efficient housing in Govan but has also helped reconnect communities, support local enterprise and leave a lasting legacy of regeneration. "The award is a reflection of partnership working and CCG's deep commitment to delivering better homes, stronger communities, and a more sustainable future for Scotland."
The Herald Scotland
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Restoration planned for only farm built by Robert Burns
Dating back to 1788 and built by Burns himself, the farmstead is recognised as a site of exceptional historic and cultural importance. It was built as a family home for his wife, Jean Armour, on the banks of the River Nith, and was acquired by the Robert Burns Ellisland Trust in 2020. Read More: The trust quickly identified a number of repairs which are needed to preserve the farmstead, and a conservation architect-led design team has been appointed following a tendering process. Collective Architecture, an award-winning and 100 percent employee-owned practice with studios in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Dundee will adapt and conserve the historic buildings, as part of the Saving the Home of Auld Lang Syne project, which is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, South of Scotland Enterprise, Museums Galleries Scotland, and The Holywood Trust. Led by Emma Fairhurst and Gerry Hogan of Collective Architecture, the team will develop proposals to reverse historic damage to the 18th-century buildings, provide a safe home for the museum collection, and sensitively adapt certain structures to serve as event and education spaces. The brief also includes creating visitor accommodation on what Burns called 'Sweet Poetic Ground,' with the aim of hosting creative retreats and workshops so that future generations of artists can also 'see nature through the poet's eyes'. The cottage that Burns built for his wife will be restored as closely as possible to its original 1788 condition. Modern alterations will be removed to create an immersive historical experience for visitors. Joan McAlpine, Project Director of Saving the Home of Auld Lang Syne, said: 'The Trust was impressed by Collective's collaborative approach and their outstanding track record in conservation-led adaptive reuse. "We particularly admired their work on other A-listed sites such as the restoration of the Calton Hill Observatory in Edinburgh and the James Watt Institute in Greenock. Both projects involved the sensitive adaptation of heritage buildings housing important collections. "Now that we are focused on delivering our vision using the A listed farm buildings, Collective's expertise made them our first choice.' Emma Fairhurst of Collective Architecture said: 'It is a privilege to be appointed to lead the design team for Ellisland Farm, a site of deep historical and cultural value. "We look forward to working closely with The Robert Burns Ellisland Trust to restore and enhance this remarkable place, ensuring its legacy is preserved and celebrated for generations to come."
The National
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Robert Burns historic home to be saved as architect firm appointed
The award-winning firm Collective Architecture has been appointed to develop plans to save the A-listed building by the charity responsible for safeguarding Ellisland Farm and Museum near Dumfries. Built in 1788, the farmstead is recognised as a site of exceptional historic and cultural importance as it is where Burns wrote a third of his creative output, including famous works such as Auld Lang Syne and Tam o' Shanter. Earlier plans for a new-built visitor centre on the site have been scaled back to focus solely on adapting and conserving the historic buildings, which several reports have assessed as being 'at-risk'. READ MORE: Scotland's first ever children's hospice announces major £17 million revamp Led by Emma Fairhurst and Gerry Hogan of Collective Architecture, the team will develop proposals to reverse historic damage to the 18th-century buildings, provide a safe home for the museum collection, and adapt certain structures to serve as event and education spaces. Fairhurst welcomed the announcement, stating that Collective Architecture aims to ensure the legacy of the building is preserved. She said: 'It is a privilege to be appointed to lead the design team for Ellisland Farm, a site of deep historical and cultural value. 'We look forward to working closely with The Robert Burns Ellisland Trust to restore and enhance this remarkable place, ensuring its legacy is preserved and celebrated for generations to come.' The cottage that Burns built for his wife, Jean Armour, will also be restored as closely as possible to its original 1788 condition. Modern alterations will be removed to create an 'immersive historical experience' for visitors while a visitor accommodation will also be included in the plans to revamp the farm aiming to give people the chance to host creative retreats and workshops so that future generations of artists can also 'see nature through the poet's eyes'. The design work is part of the Saving the Home of Auld Lang Syne project, which is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, South of Scotland Enterprise, Museums Galleries Scotland, and The Holywood Trust. Joan McAlpine, project director of Saving the Home of Auld Lang Syne, said: 'The Trust was impressed by Collective's collaborative approach and their outstanding track record in conservation-led adaptive reuse. 'We particularly admired their work on other A-listed sites such as the restoration of the Calton Hill Observatory in Edinburgh and the James Watt Institute in Greenock. 'Both projects involved the sensitive adaptation of heritage buildings housing important collections. 'Now that we are focused on delivering our vision using the A-listed farm buildings, Collective's expertise made them our first choice.' (Image: Wimbledon Auctions/PA Wire) Collective Architecture, which owns studios in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Dundee, is one of several consultants appointed to the Saving the Home of Auld Lang Syne project. Peebles-based Abound will develop an interpretation plan for the site, while Rob Robinson Heritage will produce a revised business plan. In addition, Peter Thierfeldt, whose previous experience includes The Willow Tea Rooms, The Citizens Theatre, and Pitlochry Festival Theatre, has been appointed Director of Development to lead a major international fundraising campaign. The development stage of Saving the Home of Auld Lang Syne is projected to cost more than £900,000 and could unlock more than £1.2 million from the Heritage Fund to help deliver the completed project.
BBC News
23-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Two castles and a prison on RIAS best buildings list
Eleven buildings have been named as winners of the annual Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) awards. The buildings include two restored castles, a road bridge, a whisky distillery and Scotland's newest prison and young offender 11 winners will now become the "longlist" for the RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland shortlist will be announced in July ahead of the winner being revealed in November. Aldourie Castle, Loch Ness, by Ptolemy Dean Architects The Category A-listed Aldourie Castle has been conserved and all the surrounding estate buildings restored as well as new ones added, including farm buildings, an energy centre, a boathouse and a pedestrian bridge. The judges admired how the project reconnected the disparate buildings to their romantic setting. Caoghan na Creige, Isle of Harris, by Izat Arundell The stone-clad building blends into the rugged Hebridean landscape, giving the home the appearance of a modern-day blackhouse. The judges described the project as a testament to what can be achieved through patience, skill and a profound respect for place. Ellengowan Regeneration, Dundee, by Collective Architecture Ellengowan Regeneration replaces 124 deteriorating flats with 130 affordable is a mix of housing including accessible flats, cottage flats, family terraced houses and a corner shop. The judges praised the project's inclusive approach which balances modern needs with heritage preservation. Fairburn Tower, Muir of Ord, Highland by Simpson & Brown Architects Built in the 16th Century and added to in the 17th, this remote Category A listed structure had fallen into a ruinous state. The judges described Fairburn Tower as an exemplar project, where restoration and reconstruction are beautifully accomplished, while also delivering characterful holiday accommodation. Gairnshiel Jubilee Bridge, Gairnshiel, Aberdeenshire by Moxon Architects The Gairnshiel Jubilee Bridge provides a new route over the River Gairn, eliminating the lengthy detours and delays caused by frequent structural damage to the 18th Century crossing as it was no longer suitable for modern-day traffic. The judges described the project as a fine example of how to integrate a modern vehicular bridge into a sensitive landscape. HM Prison and Young Offender Institution Stirling by Holmes Miller Architects The building is billed as a "fundamental rethinking of custodial environments in Scotland".It supports women in custody through spaces that are intended to promote dignity, equality and meaningful judges praised it as a model of how public buildings can be both operationally robust and deeply humane. Kinloch Lodge, Lairg, by GRAS Kinloch Lodge is a "light-touch" conservation project which aims to maintain the charming and idiosyncratic nature of the original mid-19th Century lodge and its said each has been lovingly, painstakingly and respectfully restored exactly as they were found, using traditional methods and judges said the architects' involvement is refreshingly understated and thoroughly respectful of the original buildings. The Nucleus Building, University of Edinburgh, by Sheppard Robson The building is described by RIAS as a new heart for the University of Edinburgh which unites teaching, learning and social spaces. The judges described the Nucleus Building as a deftly executed piece of civic architecture. Riverside Primary School, Perth, by Architype Riverside Primary School is the first Passivhaus-certified school in judges described it as an exemplary project, which will serve as an inspiring model for the design of schools in Scotland and across the UK. Rosebank Distillery, Falkirk, by MLA The Rosebank Distillery had been considered lost but it has been carefully jury was impressed by the design team, who navigated complex constraints including contamination, conservation, coal mining risk and listed structures. They said the retention and restoration of the chimney, lockkeeper's cottage and red-brick buildings reflect a commitment to memory and place. Union Terrace Gardens, Aberdeen, by Stallan-Brand Architecture + Design RIAS said this transformation of a long-neglected civic space reclaimed Union Terrace Gardens as Aberdeen's green heart. The judges praised the project as a benchmark in public-realm regeneration, demonstrating the power of sensitive, people-centred design to transform a city's sense of place.
