dialoguespring - summer 2012

dundee institute of architects

Welcome to this latest issue of DIAlogue which not only focuses on DIA Awards 2011 but also encompasses other items of interest such as features on James Parr, RIAS Lifetime Achievement Award recipient; the wonderful “Liberty” furnished Aystree House in Broughty Ferry and the ongo-ing procurement debate.

The 2011 Awards dinner has of course been a focus of DIA Council and resulted in a very well attended evening at the Invercarse Hotel, Dundee. Once again a thoroughly convivial evening was had with contributions from Stuart Hosie MP, Steven Lynas, President Stirling Chapter and a wonderfully entertaining address from Peter Brown (Speaker of the Year). A big thank you to all our members, sponsors and guests for such a memorable evening.

Procurement continues to be a major role concern within the Institute and RIAS business. Our own ex-President, Willie Watt, presidents is one of the leading protagonists defending the role of Architect in the face of the large contractor/financier led monopolising conglomerate. This is a process which threatens the revenue stream of every practice in the DIA area with the ability of unjustly precluding them from the public sector tendering process.

Two buildings in the DIA area had rightly been short-listed on the RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award 2011. Whilst Gareth Hoskins Architects walked away with the Award for their impressive work on the Nation-al Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh both Dundee City Council (Reiach and Hall Architects) and Nicoll Russell Stu-dios for their work on Hillcrest Housing Association HQ both merited a Special Mention and were worthy contenders. Indeed it is refreshing to note that this is the second year running that Dundee City Council (McManus Galleries) and Nicoll Russell Studios (Briggait Redevelopment, Glasgow) have been shortlisted for this prestigious award.

I hope that you will enjoy this latest edition of a publication that I trust will inform , stimulate and indeed catalyse you to contribute. The DIA exists to support its members and can only be as strong as the support it receives from its members. We have spaces available on Council and an AGM is scheduled for March at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art where all are welcome.

Please do not be backward coming forward if you wish to contribute.

I wish you all best wishes and for Clients that pay in these difficult times.

presidents column

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Building Control Forum: Dundee DIA was pleased to be invited to Dundee House to meet with David Aitken, the recently appointed head of Build-ing Control, and his team of Building Control Officers. David has offered to continue the valuable forum where DIA members can meet with him and his team to discuss changes in Building Standards or offer any concerns which may require addressing. These meetings will be convened every six months continuing the initiative instigated by DIA and David’s predecessor Ken Findlay. DIA would like to take this opportunity to wish Ken a long and happy retire-ment. Minutes of these meetings will be available on the DIA website for all members to view.

Medical AssistanceMembers may be interested to note that NHS Tayside have introduced an initiative which provides free healthcare to those working in small practices. This service is available through Working Health Services (Hotline – 01382 825100) and is based in Kings Cross Hospital, Dundee. It encompasses physiotherapy as well as mental health and relationship issues. It also offers Occupational Therapist assistance who will visit and evaluate your working environment. It covers sports injuries or stress related issues which may have been instigated outwith the working environment but is affecting your professional performance. Whilst this approach may not be suitable for all it is a free service which can improve personal working healthcare. It is instigated through a self-referral scheme and ap-plication forms can be uplifted from your local doctor’s surgery. It is aimed at reducing absenteeism and promoting good healthcare within the working environment.

CPDThis years CPD programme has not been up to the standards of recent years and as a result numbers have dwindled. In an attempt to reinvigorate this programme a new format will be introduced for next years production. Please remember that there is a 35 hours per year requirement. This means that you can use CPD to provide the opportunity to:

Build your business and practiceHelp you stay employableMeet targetsGain new skills and;Get new work and new Clients

Don’t be left behind. Subscribe to DIA CPD programme for 2012-2013. Details to follow.

news roundup and CPD

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DIA Members Brochure

DIA Council are currently formulating a new Members Brochure which is intended to be distributed to Local Authority Planning and Building Control Departments to provide information on Architects in their respective areas. This will include sections covering “What is a Chartered Architect?” and a synopsis of “Architectural Services”. All practices registered through RIAS/DIA will be included and will encompass contact details and a brief description and Practice Statement. If you have relocated or changed your contact details recently please contact DIA Secretary Roger Brun-ton to ensure that our database is current.

RIAS Council and Committee Representatives

Dundee Institute of Architects is pleased to announce that it now has a full complement of representatives on RIAS Council business.

Representative on RIAS business –Education Colin SmithPlanning, Environment, Housing & Town Planning: Joe Dagan, Fraser MiddletonMembership and Awards Ged YoungPractice Willie WattCommunications and Events Willie WattConservation Colin DoigConsultancy Colin SmithContracts and Appointments Colin Smith

Please do not hesitate to contact these members should you wish any additional information on business being con-ducted nationally.

news roundup & CPD

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History

Aystree House built in 1903 was designed by architects Charles Ower and Charles Soutar for Colonel Thomas Smith a local merchant. Built in the ‘Arts and Crafts’ style it was built at a time when Dundee was a major city in the world wide jute industry. The main house is category ‘A’ listed, Stables ‘B’ listed (1984) and Gate Lodge ‘B’ listed (1991). Philosophy & Brief

This project has been carried out by the building’s owners to en-sure that these listed buildings have a sound and optimistic future. It was an intrinsic theme that the conversion had to be of a ‘quality’ and ‘style’ that befitted the original house. The building had been un-occupied for 12-15 years and had no future in its original form. Originally constructed to the highest standard it was totally lacking in modern amenities and comforts, along with key areas of its construction requiring complete / substantial upgrades. The philosophy was to bring the 1903 house back to and beyond the level that it represented when originally built - with state of art kitchens, bathrooms, heating and services systems. The upgraded fabric and new interiors would hopefully complement and sit harmoniously with the retained historical features.

In order to make this conversion a commercial proposition the existing house had to be sub-divided into units which were marketable and of a desirable size and proportion. Designs were produced to sub-divide the main house into 6 individual units ranging from 333sqm to 166sqm. The total area of the original house was 1460sqm. Two additional buildings were part of the original building group and also had to be incorporated. The brief was to firstly preserve and extend the existing Gate Lodge in a manner that was representative of our era to provide a desirable family home.

Secondly to provide a unique converted dwelling house within the existing

featured project - aystree house reconstruction

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stables building - conserving key historical building elements whilst providing all contemporary facilities that an upmarket dwelling requires. Features & upgrade worksThe main house boasts a magnificent historical interior. This includes original ‘Liberty of London’ built in furniture, staircases, wall panelling, fireplaces, dressers, table, library displays, leaded glass, inglenooks, overmantles all of which are bespoke to the house. These have been attributed to Leonard Wyburd (1865-1958) and have been conserved and built into the 2011 restoration. Aystree allegedly has the largest concentration of ‘Liberty of London’ furniture elements in Scotland.

The main house also features an original ‘Mackenzie and Moncur’ oak Conservatory which had to be retained and conserved as part of the main apartment created from the sub-division.

Other works carried out are as follows;

• Timber windows were repaired where possible and if not replacements made like for like. • Main entrance door, side screen, and benches were retained and items of original ironmongery were reconstructed to match originals in both style and materials. • Decorative leaded glass windows which had been vandalised have been renewed by specialists to match the originals. • Feature green glass leaded panels in the Conservatory have been renewed to replicate and match the originals. • The remainder of the Conservatory has been completely upgraded including new safety glass to roof with upgraded structure.• Internal doors were retained and fire protected to retain their style and all original features retained insitu or incorporated for benefit in new locations. • Internal and external drainage systems have been replaced and renewed. • Incorporation of all new services and systems within the existing construction i.e. Sky, Virgin Media, BT. Under floor heating to ground and first floors with overlay board product. PIR’s used internally for activation of low energy lighting.• New quality Alno kitchens and Porcelanosa bath and shower rooms.• Systems for fire detection and security alarms.• Powder coated aluminium snow boards on galvanised brackets in lieu of original timber snowboards.

featured project - aystree house reconstruction

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The roof over this property was one of the key elements to consider and extensive works were carried out so that this legally shared building element would require minimal future investment. The original clay Rosemary roofing tiles (some 60,000) were taken off and replaced with new ‘like for like’ including hip and valley clay tiles. Original sarking was removed and the complete roof insulated from the outside as a warm roof to Building Standards under the cover of the tented scaffold. Lead flashings and cast iron rainwater goods were also renewed. Stone repairs / indenting were carried out with matching stone. Under the cover of the structural tented scaffold, the building was afforded time to dry out and all ex-ternal elements of the building were prepared and redecorated under controlled conditions. Weather conditions within tent were generally +5 degrees C above ambient external temperatures and the tent was retained over the building for about 5 months. The decision to utilise the tent was invaluable.

These works have guaranteed the future of these buildings as a result of the very sympathetic sub-division and con-version. The house is now presented in both a physical and aesthetic condition which has parallels with that of when the house was first constructed.

Six units within the main house and the Gate Lodge are to be sold and are being marketed. The Stables have been individually designed for a Director of the current owners and will be retained as their home.

Media Coverage• the Dundee Civic Trust, (‘City Scene’ magazine Autumn 2011) • the DIA (Dundee Institute of Architects) in RIAS Quarterly magazine Winter 2011 • The Scotsman 10/12/2011 • The Daily Mail 2/12/2011• The Courier Feb 16th 2012 Contributed by Michael O’ Donnell James F Stephen Architects.

featured project - aystree house reconstruction

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Awards Intoduction

The DIA Awards 2011 presentation took place at the Invercarse Hotel on 14th November 2011. It was gratifying to view from the podium a full hall of Architects, professionals, Clients and sponsors thoroughly enjoying the evening, embracing and supporting this platform showcasing the best Architecture within our chapter area.

The formulation of such a successful event is due to the considerable efforts of many across the Chapter. Headlin-ing the sponsors once again this year was Russwood. We welcomed new sponsors Cumbrian Stone and Lumaglas who joined with our other stalwarts Blackadders Solicitors, Ora Ceramics, Forbo-Nairn, Marley Plumbing, Cupa Slates, Stroma and Robertson Timber Kits. Many thanks once again to our sponsors who have continued to show their confidence in DIA especially during these particularly challenging times. This year we were exceptionally for-tunate to have James Parr, George Gall of ALTAJOB software and Clive Gilman, Director of Dundee Contemporary Arts accompanying DIA President Fraser Middleton on the judging panel. This led to stimulating debate over a very interesting three days of initial evaluation and subsequent visits to the short-listed buildings. DIA should like to extend their thanks to the companies and individuals who willingly gave their time and attention to accommodate the judges tight intinerary and patiently answered their questions.

Through the considerable efforts and support of our members the following entries resulted in this year’s Awards be-ing presented to deserving winners.

design awards 2012

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Dundee Institute of Architects would like to thank our main sponser, Russwood and our category sponsers Stroma, Blackadders, Ora Ceramics, Lumaglass, Cupa Slate, Forbo, Marley Plumbing and Drainage, Robertson Timber Kit and Cumbrian Stone. We gratefully acknowledge their vital contributions to our awards programme and hope to realise their support again in the future.

design awards 2012

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Best Commercial / Public BuildingArchitect: nicoll russell studiosProject: new headquarters building,dundeeClient: hillcrest housing association

design awards 2012

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design awards 2012

Best Residential ProjectArchitect: peter inglis architectsProject: former sailors home, dock street. dundee

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design awards 2012

Best Private HouseArchitect: mckenzie stricklandProject: new house, rosemount, blairgowrie

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design awards 2012

Best Interior DesignArchitect: archialProject: university of abertay, scottish centre for excellenceClient: university of abertay.dundee

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design awards 2012

Best Regeneration / Conservation awardArchitect: mckenzie stricklandProject: taymouth castle - principal rooms, kenmore

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design awards 2012

Best Small ProjectArchitect: nicoll russell studiosProject: house alterations, falkland

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design awards 2012

Best Small Project - CommendationArchitect: mckenzie stricklandProject: house extension, milton of kincraigie, dalguise

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design awards 2012

Ambassador AwardArchitect: nicoll russell studiosProject: howden park centre, livingston, west lothian

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design awards 2012

Best Sudent AwardStephen McCullough

On the Drawing Board AwardArchitect: mckenzie stricklandProject: hotel development, kinloch rannoch

Stephen receives his awardfrom DIA President Fraser Middleton

Stephen's research explores the role of Architect as collaborator, working within place, bringing Instances of redundancy

in Perth to a new level of public con-sciousness

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design awards 2012

The Prize winners

Gerry Farquarson receiving the Supreme Award from John Russell of Russwood.

Below: Graeme Keillor recieves the award for bestclient from Gerry Farquarson of Nicoll Russell Studios on behalf of Hillcrest HA.

DIA President Fraser Middleton & top table guests.

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We are proud to announce that James Parr has been awarded the prestigious RIAS Lifetime Achievement Award and is the first recipient within the DIA area to receive this honour.

James Parr qualified from the University of Dundee in 1951 – the first year that the Dundee School was recognised by the RIBA. He undertook his National Service with the Royal Engineers, serving in Singapore. From 1953-56 he worked in the offices of William M Patrick, Dundee (brother of the famous artist James MacKintosh Patrick).

In 1956 James started his own practice (at the tender age of 26) from his house in Claypotts Road, Broughty Ferry. His first job was a detached house and most of his early work was putting Ladies toilets into pubs! This led to numer-ous public house refurbishments. A year later, the practice relocated to office premises at 132a Nethergate, Dundee

The practice’s first truly significant project was for General Accident on Isla Road, Perth as General Accident had just bought their first computer – and needed a building to put it in! This building won a National Civic Trust Award.

James Parr - RIAS Lifetime Achievement Award

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In the years that followed, the company grew to over 100 staff, dealing with many different types of commissions. The mushrooming Silicon Glen provided a particularly rich vein of commissions for the practice.

James Parr’s own favourite among his designs is the General Accident World Headquarters at Pitheavlis, Perth. The practice also received a Saltire Award for the Commercial Street, housing in Perth. It is also one of very few examples of modern architecture ever featured on a postage stamp and as Mrs Parr points out not a 2nd Class one “but a prop-erly priced one!”

Other projects include Dundee Infectious Diseases Hospital, the University of Dundee Students Union, various primary schools, sheltered housing in Dundee and Inverness, superstores for William Low, the Wellgate Centre, Dundee and the Olympia leisure centre, also in Dundee.

James was founding Chairman of Art in Partnership, and is currently Chair of Tayside Building Preservation Trust. He enjoys skiing and sailing and is an accomplished mountaineer having conquered many alpine peaks including Jungfrau, Mont Blanc (the highest peak in western Europe) and the fearsome Eiger. He has also scaled Mount McKinley, Alaska – the highest peak in North America.

James Parr is one of Scotland’s most prolific and influential architects and a worthy winner of the RIAS Lifetime Achievement Award.

James and his wife Dorothy have been together since their schooldays at Lawside Academy, Dundee.

James Parr

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Having attended the last three meetings of the R.I.A.S. Education Committee on behalf of the D.I.A. it was felt by Council that an update of current issues in the relationship between the R.I.A.S. and the Schools of Architecture together with the issues effecting students would be of interest to those of us in Practice.

The RIAS has no formal role in the education of Architects in Scotland. Due to different funding arrangements in Scotland, ASSA (Association of Scottish Schools of Architecture) have become more active in recent years and are actively seeking a closer relationship with the RIAS and paper was tabled at the last meeting exploring that relation-ship and comments have been requested from the Chapters. There is a perceived disenchantment with the profes-sion by students and academics and a similar situation where practices blame academics for not engaging with the profession. The article “A waste of young talent” in the February edition of the AR (p18) and response in the AJ (16 February, p45) shows, not unsurprisingly, this is not confined to Scotland. The Education Committee paper is the first step to improve the dialogue between the profession and the Schools of Architecture with specific aims set out.

The RIAS have recently offered “Architects not in practice” a discounted annual fee, aimed mainly at Academics, to increase their involvement with the profession.

The criteria to sit the Part 3 examination have been relaxed. Overseas experience is now accepted and reflects the global nature of many British practices. The minimum period of experience has been reduced from 3 to 1 month and 12 out of the 24 months can be supervised by a “professional in the construction industry”. This leaves all kinds of questions open such as gaining half of ones Part 3 experience working for a technician or a Quantity Surveyor. These changes are permanent, not just driven by the current economic conditions and whilst giving more students the opportunity to sit the exam, a higher failure rate may be the likely result. Taking into account these changes only 93 candidates are sitting their Part 3 this year (12 are re-sits) due to lack of placements. 140 is normal falling from a peak of 204 in 2007. Part 3 costs £975 and re-sits £500.

It is reported that 38% of Part 2 students are working for less than £12,500 per annum minimum wage and that some students are working for nothing despite being told by the Schools not to do so. In spite this, all Architecture courses at Scottish Universities are oversubscribed with entrance qualifications ranging from BBBB (Scott Sutherland and Edinburgh) to AAAB (Strathclyde) pass highers at the first sitting. The requirement to submit a portfolio for entry is not consistent across the Scottish Schools. The current situation of zero tuition fees in Scotland is generally considered unsustainable and the consequence of rising numbers of foreign students is being closely monitored. Post graduate degrees will, in the near future, not be

RIAS - EDUCATION COMMITTEE

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covered by the student loan scheme. The second degree is promoted by some Schools as a post graduate degree but at present it is not classed as one. This may have the consequence of reducing the course to a single degree but the situation is still very uncertain. It would appear that money is still available for research and almost all academic staff are required to carry our re-search as part of their appointment. Discussions have begun in an attempt to align Professional CPD with Academic Research. The result could be beneficial to Practice and encourage greater contact between the profession, academ-ics and students.

If you would like a copy of the RIAS /ASSA. Relationship paper tabled at the Education Committee please contact colin@csjwa.co.uk.

contributed by Colin Smith

And FINALLY.......

..............Thank You Dr. Brunton

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cover image by stephen mccullough