The Old School

Building Communities for the Future: category winner, highly commended

Conservation and Building Adaptation: commended

Architect: Ian Rodger Architects
Location: Ballater

It was identified that there was a need for affordable housing in Ballater and the building was disused, listed and situated within the Ballater Conservation Area. The renovation of the site sympathetically combined the retention of the old buildings with modern new builds through the use of traditional materials. Through the introduction of flats and family homes, the site contributes to the wider community, including employment opportunities, supporting the local economy, protection of the local primary school and is a good example of a 20-minute neighbourhood.

Building Communities for the Future: judges comments

The judges felt that that this development was a well thought out scheme which provided a variety of properties within the former school buildings as well as the creation of new properties on the site. Through the positioning of the dwellings and the use of communal greenspaces, a welcoming and successful community has been created.

Conservation and Building Adaptation: judges comments

The judges commented that as large buildings such as this are becoming obsolete, new uses need to be found for them to stop their deterioration and eventual loss. The judges felt this was a good example of how they can be reused and shows that it can be successfully achieved.