Search on for best building in Ross-shire
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THE hunt is on for the best new buildings in Ross-shire — and judges want to know your favourites.
At stake is a prestigious design award which has previously seen the county put in the frame as an example to other parts of the Highlands.
The IAA (Inverness Architectural Association) Highlands and Islands Design Awards is staged every two years and last time around saw Millers Yard in Cromarty and MacIver House at Newton of Novar near Evanton pick up awards.
The competition aims to raise awareness of the importance of good design and architecture, regardless the constraints of the current economic climate.
Launched in 2008, they have since attracted more than 200 entries across the region, despite some of the toughest times in living memory for the construction industry.
Members of the public can nominate their favourite new building in the Open Award which must have been completed between January 2010 and January 2012.
The IAA, which is the chapter of the Royal Incorporation of Architects that covers the Highlands and Islands, includes in the competition a wide range of categories such as best new building, best restoration and best use of timber.
Newly elected IAA president Andy Bruce explained: “Since their inception in 2008, the IAA Awards have shown the quality and diversity of new buildings, alterations and extensions to existing buildings and ‘placemaking’ designed by Highlands and Islands architects, is second to none.
“The regional and open Awards generate lots of interest right across the area and they’re an opportunity for architects, our clients, construction industry colleagues and the public to get involved in considering what an important role good architecture and design plays in all our lives”.
Past winners of awards include the design of Millers Yard in Cromarty in the Placemaking category by Calum Anton of Fortrose and the MacIver House at Newton of Novar near Evanton, designed by Neil Sutherland Architects for the most Innovative Use of Timber.
• The closing date for entries is Friday, April 20. More details about how to enter are available at www.highlandarchitects.org/2012-awards
Members of the public can nominate their favourite new building by e-mailing awards@highlandarchitects.org
