The first ever Dumfries and Galloway Council Design Awards have been held, celebrating exceptional local examples of urban and rural buildings.
Eighteen diverse entries were submitted in the three categories of new build residential; new build non-residential; and works to existing buildings.
They included everything from residential eco-friendly houses, to The Theatre Royal in Dumfries, as well as supported accommodation for vulnerable adults, holiday-let treehouses in Kirkpatrick Durham, self-builds and the visitor centre in Galloway Forest Park.
Congratulating the recipients, Councillor Colin Smyth said: “The overall standard has been excellent and I know the judges had some very difficult decisions to make. Buildings clearly need to be practical and serve a purpose, but our design awards recognise the fact that some buildings in our region have gone beyond the initial remit to achieve excellence and make outstanding contributions to our landscape and built environment.”
The winners were chosen by an independent judging panel, following a series of site visits. They were:
- Best new build residential: Lane’s End, Thornhill, designed by John Murray Architects, constructed by 3b Construction Ltd for Ms F Blackwood (PICTURED ABOVE)
The judges described this as “a very successful and sensitive integration of a new building into a complex and relatively constrained urban setting”. They also complimented the level of craftsmanship in the detailing to the building. - Best new build non-residential: Kirroughtree Visitor Centre, Newton Stewart, designed by jmarchitects for Forestry Commission Scotland and constructed by Robertsons.
The judges described the scheme as representing “a very successful whole site response to the needs of the site, designed with sensitivity to integrate within its wider setting”. They thought the building provided a “real sense of arrival and welcome”. 
- Award for works to existing building: Killylour, Shawhead, designed by Simon Winstanley architects, constructed by Andrew Campbell and Sons.
The judges described this scheme as a “sensitive, respectful and well detailed approach to a previously altered building” with an extension which is “modest and functional and has avoided the temptation to over-enlarge or add too much, thereby enhancing its rural setting”. -
CATEGORY CHAMP . . . winner of works to an existing building was Killylour, Shawhead New Build Residential Award: Lane’s End, Thornhill
Commendation: Westbrook, Moffat
New Build Non-Residential Award: Kirroughtree Visitor Centre, Newton Stewart
Commendation: Brockloch Treehouse, Kirkpatrick Durham
Works to Existing Buildings Award: Killylour, Shawhead
Commendation: Float Bay CottageOther entrants:
Tranquillity, Colvend
Darach, Dalbeattie
Linnet, Loch Arthur Community, Beeswing
Hallam House, Beeswing
The Foxhole, Kirkcudbright
Oyster Cabin, Carrick
Loch Ken Eco Bothies
Girthhead Mill, Johnstonebridge
Three Merkland Long Barn, Hardgate
Theatre Royal, Dumfries
