The awards, organised by Argyll and Bute Council recognise and celebrate exceptional design across the area. The awards ceremony took place today at Helensburgh Civic Centre.

All the winning projects completed between 2015 and 2022.

2023 winners

Public Vote – Iona Abbey

Iona Abbey is a world renowned A-Listed and a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The refurbishment of the Iona Community’s residential accommodation at Iona Abbey won in the built heritage category.

Members’ Vote – Campbeltown Picture House

Campbeltown Picture House is A-Listed. The project included the sensitive restoration of the historic main auditorium as well as the addition of a second screen and café bar.

Sustainable Design – Lochend (Bute)

The redevelopment of a derelict farm steading provides affordable housing dwellings for ten households, with common ground for community building and outdoor living. The dwellings are starter homes available for private rent, set at an affordable level with the integral low energy design strategy keeping utilities bills to a minimum.

Under £100k – Charcoal Huts (Bute)

The Charcoal Huts are the Bute Community Forest’s new eco-tourism venture. They consist of two small, off grid, timber accommodating huts and two composting WC cubicles of the same timber construction.

Built Heritage – Asknish House (Lochgair)

Asknish House is an 18th century Georgian Palladian country house. After decades of being unoccupied, the property underwent careful restoration using traditional building materials coupled with modern technology.

Community Led Regeneration – Rockfield

The Rockfield Centre is B-Listed former school. The renovation provides a mix of community, performance arts, heritage and social enterprise / business centre. The building had suffered from several years of neglect until 2015, when it was saved by its community.

Dunoon Burgh Hall – Community Led (commendation)

Small Scale – Taigh an Ailtire (Tiree)

Taigh An Ailtire is a new build private dwelling house on Tiree. The unique design makes the house sit comfortably within the unique historic built environment of the island.

St Comagn’s Chapel (Kilchoan Estate) (commendation)

Eilean da Mheinn (Crinan) (commendation)

Large Scale – Iona Village Hall

Iona Village Hall is located at the western edge of the village and forms a bookend to a cluster of civic buildings and the ruins of Iona Nunnery, a Scheduled Monument. Community input formed a vital part of the development of the brief and design, drawing on a deep understanding of island life, climate and social needs.

Helensburgh Leisure Centre (commendation)

Councillor Kieron Green, policy lead for planning, said: “Congratulations to all our winners. The standard of entries this year was outstanding with fantastic innovative examples across Argyll and Bute of how design is helping to support our environment.

“We have a great mix of sensitive renovation of historic buildings to green business ventures and energy efficient new homes and community facilities.

“As we work towards achieving net zero by 2045, I hope people will take inspiration from our winning entrants and create design solutions that not only complement the amazing Argyll and Bute landscape, but also meet the highest energy efficiency standards.”