Scotland's Best Buildings 2024 Shortlist Released by RIAS

Among Scotland’s top architectural awards, The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) has shared the shortlist of nominees for the 2024 Best Building in Scotland award. This year’s theme revolves around breathing new life into old buildings. The projects include a major refurbishment of two of Scotland’s most renowned and recognised cultural institutions, a futuristic university building, a rescued historic rural farmhouse and a city social housing scheme.

Established in 2002, the awards each year seek to find and celebrate the best buildings in Scotland. According to 2024 judging chairman David Kohn, many ambitious projects deserve to be celebrated further. All types of projects shortlisted are eligible, and they are judged by expert judges on their architectural integrity, use and context, delivery and execution, and sustainability.

The shortlist contains five projects ready to compete to be crowned the best building in Scotland this year. The five nominees were announced in July, and the winner will be announced in November of this year. The event also serves as a place to showcase the extraordinary designs of Scottish contemporary architecture to the outside world. The five projects are:

The Burrell Collection, Glasgow by John McAslan and Partners

The Burrell Collection, Glasgow by John McAslan and Partners (cr: Hufton and Crow)

The Burrell Collection, Glasgow by John McAslan and Partners (cr: Hufton and Crow) 

John McAslan and Partners, an international landmark and Scottish cultural icon, refurbished the project. The three-storey atrium opened up the central area of ​​the museum and enhanced connections throughout the building. The late 20th-century landmark has been widely praised as a thoughtful and bold reimaging. Many have said that the exemplary refurbishment will allow visitors to engage with the Burrell collection for generations.

Ardoch, Ballater, Aberdeenshire by Moxon Architects

Ardoch, Ballater, Aberdeenshire by Moxon Architects (cr: Ben Addy)

Ardoch, Ballater, Aberdeenshire by Moxon Architects (cr: Simon Kennedy)  

With direct views over the River Dee, this hillside farmhouse has been restored and rebuilt after a decade of careful reconstruction. Its existence and revival have supported many Scottish craftsmen and local traders along the way. Combining traditional and contemporary methods, the building has been refurbished and converted into a home, studio, and orangery for the owners. The judges described the project as an example of contemporary refurbishment in which the art and craft of the existing building has been retold in a reinterpretation of its own architectural language.

North Gate Social Housing, Glasgow by Page/Park Architects

North Gate Social Housing, Glasgow by Page/Park Architects (cr: Nick Kane)

North Gate Social Housing, Glasgow by Page/Park Architects (cr: Nick Kane)

This is an urban social housing scheme in the south side of Glasgow. The scheme is designed to meet the needs of older residents to lead active, independent lives. Providing much-needed social housing and contributing to the wider regeneration program in the city. It accommodates 31 apartments with shared facilities, including a lounge, laundry, bike storage, kitchen, and activity areas. The RIAS judges were impressed by the architects’ commitment to providing welcoming, attractive, and robustly detailed homes, which are clearly much admired by residents and are a new face of the city.

The Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh by Reiach and Hall Architects

The Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh by Reiach and Hall Architects (cr: Dylan Nardini)

The Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh by Reiach and Hall Architects (cr: Broad Daylight)

Refurbished and expanded, the popular city gallery brings a nearby warehouse into the space to support Scottish culture and contemporary art. Much to the delight of the subtle enhancements to the interior, the extension is a rich, uninhibited and materially intense interweaving of structure and rough materials. Reiach and Hall Architects is repurposing and opening up in the spirit of contemporary architecture as it challenges how art can be displayed and received.

University of Aberdeen Science and Teaching Hub by Reiach and Hall Architects

University of Aberdeen Science and Teaching Hub by Reiach and Hall Architects (cr: Broad Daylight)

University of Aberdeen Science and Teaching Hub by Reiach and Hall Architects (cr: Niall Hastie)

As a university building, it certainly requires a sophisticated modern design that promotes and signals the importance of scientific learning. A series of flexible, digitally enhanced pioneering research laboratory spaces assembled from various departments have been combined. The buildings exude a sense of calm and controlled scientific optimism, partly inspired by buildings from the Enlightenment period. The jury was particularly impressed by the high quality and precision of the architecture.