The 2017 RIAS architecture award winners

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The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) has announced the 12 winners of the 2017 award for best current Scottish architecture.

The shortlist for the RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award, to be presented in November, consists of all 12 winners.

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City of Glasgow College - City Campus, Glasgow

City of Glasgow College – City Campus, GlasgowImage source, Keith Hunter
Image caption,

City of Glasgow College – City Campus, Glasgow

The judges said: "The initial impression is of immensity, boldly signalling the building's presence as an important place of learning. The palette and form of the building are deliberately restrained to generate something of skill, clarity and elegance, on the grandest scale."

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Due West, Argyll & Bute

Due West, Argyll & ButeImage source, Dapple

"This house is more than a match for the challenge of its dramatic site," the RIAS judges said.

"Uncompromisingly rectilinear, its interior gains maximum benefit from the extraordinary views which it commands. In keeping with the exposed rock faces which embrace the building, its materials are robust."

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Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries

Dunfermline Carnegie Library & GalleriesImage source, M Lambie

"Bringing together museum, art galleries, meeting rooms and a café, alongside the world's first Andrew Carnegie Library, the building is arranged around an internal "street"," the judges said.

"This elegantly and legibly connects all of its facilities."

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Eastwood Health and Care Centre

Eastwood 01_(c) Dapple Photography-hd.jpgImage source, gillian hayes

The judges said: "This is a substantial healthcare hub, serving a large area, bringing together NHS and council services with four GP practices.

"The brick-clad exterior of the building, softened by timber accents, draws visitors into the welcoming atrium."

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Edinburgh Road, Musselburgh

Edinburgh Road, Musselburgh
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Edinburgh Road, Musselburgh - Built into the sea wall, a new timber-clad extension

"There are very few sites which combine proximity to a major conurbation with coastal views of this quality," the judges said.

"Although set between a busy road and a public beach, this new home is simultaneously public and private, polite and deceptively large."

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Fernaig Cottage, Wester Ross

Fernaig Cottage in Wester Ross - renovation, adaption and extension of a dilapidated former shepherd’s longhouseImage source, Andrew Barnett
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Fernaig Cottage in Wester Ross - renovation, adaption and extension of a dilapidated former shepherd’s longhouse

The judge said: "This adapted former shepherd's cottage keeps faith with its original character.

"New red roofs echo the historic corrugated metal which features throughout the Highlands. A thing of gentle diligence, this new home enhances this remote little corner of Scotland."

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Glendale Primary School and Bunsgoil Ghàidhlig Ghleann Dail, Glasgow

Glendale Primary School and Bunsgoil Ghàidhlig Ghleann Dail in Glasgow- integrates two school populations while maintaining individual identitiesImage source, Ross Campbell. Photographer.
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Glendale Primary School and Bunsgoil Ghàidhlig Ghleann Dail in Glasgow - integrates two school populations while maintaining individual identities

"This shared English and Gaelic language campus brings together two schools on one site yet allows each to maintain its own distinct identity," the judges said.

"Scale, form and materials respond to the historic tenemental character of the area."

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James Gillespie's Campus, Edinburgh

James Gillespie's Campus_ Elevation (c) AndrewLee-hd.jpgImage source, Andrew Lee

"Set within the listed walls of the A-Listed Bruntsfield Tower, these new buildings retain the historic campus quality of the school," the judges said.

"The new development embraces the 'full education journey' from nursery to secondary within attractive, flexible new facilities."

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Moray Place, Edinburgh

MOray PlaceImage source, Sean Gaule

"In the 1930s, two adjoining townhouses were adapted to provide large floorplate apartments," the judges said.

"While respecting the Georgian character of its spaces, bold design moves and the reconfiguration of the layout create a contemporary dwelling of real impact."

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Newhouse of Auchengree, North Ayrshire

Newhouse of Auchengree, North AyrshireImage source, David Barbour

The RIAS judging panel said: "On an elevation, commanding long views over the agricultural landscape, this cluster of separate spaces reflects the way that historic farm buildings developed over decades past.

"The zinc cladding reflects the light and cloud patterns of its setting."

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Powis Place, Aberdeen

Powis Place, Aberdeen - "This student accommodation features a sheltered forecourt, a glazed common room and reception areas"Image source, Keith Hunter
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Powis Place, Aberdeen - "This student accommodation features a sheltered forecourt, a glazed common room and reception areas"

"This urban-edge site is bounded on three sides by busy roads, rising significantly front to back," the judges said.

"Self-contained around an upper level courtyard, this robustly sculptural building enhances the locale. Entrance and shared social spaces open to the street."

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Rockvilla - National Theatre of Scotland HQ, Glasgow

Rockvilla - National Theatre of Scotland HQ, GlasgowImage source, gillian hayes

"Described as the 'creative engine room' for the National Theatre, the existing structural frame was retained and re-clad to reinforce the industrial aesthetic," the judges said.

"A restrained internal palette houses a double-height atrium/social space, rehearsal spaces, offices and meeting rooms."

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