A post office turned tearoom, a revamped country park and a copper bath have been honoured this year at the Aberdeenshire Design Awards 2014.
A host of “hidden gems” across the region were commended at a special ceremony last night at Haddo House.
The awards, organised by Aberdeenshire Council, are held every two years to recognise local projects that have demonstrated “exceptional merit” in their execution.
The top honour was given to Fasque House at Fettercairn, which picked up two distinctions and a memorial award.
The site was commended for the Apple House on the estate, a conservation project undertaken by @rchitects Scotland Ltd, which was described by judges as a “superb restoration project” using traditional skills and materials.
It was also handed the Ian Shepherd Award in memory of the council’s former principal archaeologist, who died in 2009.
Fasque was further recognised for a “striking” fixture within the estate house – a distinctive copper bath and canopy that is now back in working order.
A further 21 projects across the seven categories – landscape design, business, public art, sustainability, craftsmanship, conservation, and housing – were also recognised.
Aberdeenshire Council’s director of infrastructure services Stephen Archer – who judged the entries along with other council officers, elected members and Bruce Balance of the Aberdeen Society of Architects – said they were impressed by the exceptional standard of the projects.
“Once again, we have seen a fantastic selection of entries to the competition, representing the very best of architectural and craft projects being undertaken in Aberdeenshire,” he said.
“Often these are the hidden gems of Aberdeenshire and in a number of cases are preserving historic structures for future generations or are setting high standards for modern properties which fit perfectly with the local landscape.”
The Aberdeenshire Design Awards will return in 2016, with nomination forms available from October next year.