Advocate’s Close scoops top prize at Edinburgh Architectural Association Awards

Advocates Close
Advocate’s Close

Morgan McDonnell Architecture was celebrating last night as its Advocate’s Close development won the 2015 Building of the Year by the Edinburgh Architectural Association (EAA).

A total of 46 entries were submitted this year and 19 shortlisted projects were visited by the judging panel in March 2015.

Announced and presented at a drinks reception in the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation last night, awards were made in five categories: Building of the Year; Conservation and Regeneration; Small Project, Wood and Ambassador.



The judging panel comprised of Susan Edington - The Haining Charitable Trust, Annabel Cooper – Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation, Donald Canavan RIAS - EAA President, Beth Fraser RIAS - EAA Council Member.

In each category there was a clear winner, however as the standard was very high a number of commendations were also given.

Sponsored by Kawneer UK Ltd, the Building of the Year category was won by Advocate’s Close ahead of Arcadia Nursery by Malcolm Fraser Architects which received a commendation; Charlotte Square also by Morgan McDonnell Architecture and Page/Park Architects’ West End Medical Practice.

Southside Mill
Southside Mill



Advocate’s Close also won the Regeneration and Conservation award, sponsored by Permavent Ltd, ahead of Bonnington House by Benjamin Tindall Architects; Charlotte Square also by Morgan McDonnell Architecture; The Studio and Potterrow Student Housing by LDN Architects and WT Architecture’s Southside Mill, which was commended in the category.

Loch Leven Viewpoint
Loch Leven Viewpoint

Icosis Architects won the Small Projects award, sponsored By Denfind Stone Ltd, for Loch Leven Viewpoint ahead of Branching Out by David Blaikie Architects; 38 Ravelston Dykes from Richard Murphy Architects and Lee Boyd’s St Martin of Tours Episcopal Church.

Speirs Centre (photo by John Pike)
Speirs Centre (photo by John Pike)



The Ambassador Award, sponsored by Russwood Ltd, was won by LDN Architects for the Speirs Centre. Also shortlisted was the Beefeater Gin Visitor Centre by Lee Boyd and WT Architecture’s Mid Rock House.

Arcadia Nursery (photo by Angus Bremner Photography)
Arcadia Nursery (photo by Angus Bremner Photography)

Finally Malcolm Fraser Architects won the Wood Award for its Arcadia Nursery. Infinite Space by David Blaikie Architects and Loch Leven Viewpoint were shortlisted for the award which was sponsored Forestry Commission Scotland and Wood for Good.

All winners and shortlisted entries are still on view at the RIAS, 15 Rutland Square, Edinburgh, in the Joyce B Deans Room. The exhibition is on until the 22nd April 2015.


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