Scalloway architects win design contest

SCALLOWAY architects Redman + Sutherland have won the Shetland Sustainable Housing Competition with a design for a difficult site on Fullaburn, in Bressay.

The winning team, led by Iain and Suzanne Malcolmson, beat 37 other architectural practices including 34 from the mainland. They were helped by Chris Morgan, of Locate Architects, in Dunblane, who specialise in contemporary ecological design.

The panel of judges was headed by Shetland Islands Council head of planning Iain McDiarmid, with SIC head of housing Anita Jamieson, SIC programme manager Mike Finnie and Joann Johnson, of Shetland Tenants Forum.

The judges said the winning design was “exceptional in building design and creation of place”.

Mr McDiarmid said: “The judging process highlighted that we have some exceptional architectural talent in Shetland that clearly understand their difficult environment.

“This was evident in proposals that linked modern design to traditional forms and materials, including cladding options such as self-coloured harl, stone, timber and EPDM rubber making reference to a ‘tarry shed’!

“The winning entry being led by a Shetland practice showcases the skills and innovative thinking we have within our own community. We hope to build upon that in the future as we look to push the boundaries for sustainable design and architecture within Shetland”.

The competition was launched this year as it is Shetland’s Year of Architecture. The runners up included Richard Gibson Architects, of Lerwick.