Shettleston building wins largest Scottish design award

The judges said the historic features of the former co-operative building are respected within the new development

Shettleston Housing Association in Glasgow has scooped Scotland's largest architecture prize.

Elder and Cannon Architects received the £25,000 Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) best building award for its extension on the former co-operative halls.

RIAS said the Edwardian red sandstone building was among the area's finest, and it and the new structure had been brought together in a "clever way".

The shortlist included 11 buildings.

But the judges highlighted the Shettleston entry for "the ingenuity of the new extension, and the clever and careful way a historic building and a very contemporary new structure have been brought together".

They said: "Internally the refurbished and new areas are naturally lit and ventilated.

"The roof of the extension is decked, providing an outdoor seating area.

"The historic features of the former co-operative building, particularly the upper level proscenium and the double-height upper hall are respected within the new development.

"This is an important building for Shettleston. There is no question that new architecture of this quality will contribute to enhanced pride of place and hopefully serve as a catalyst to further high quality development in the area."

Special mention

The shortlisted buildings included housing, a restored cinema, a new pavilion at the entrance to Edinburgh's Botanic Gardens and a centre for children with special needs.

The McManus Galleries in Dundee by Page\Park Architects were given a special mention.

This year's judges were Professor Andrew MacMillan, RIAS president David Dunbar, the London-based architect Edgar Gonzalez and Jonathan Speirs, a lighting architect.

Previous winners include a pet hospital in Glasgow and the Maggie's Cancer Care Centre in Inverness.