An architecture student’s plans to restore one of the forgotten jewels in Aberdeen’s crown have earned him a top prize.
Ross Robinson presented his ideas for Westburn House in the city’s Rosemount area to a panel of experts, who awarded him the Rob Hunter Prize from Robert Gordon University’s Scott Sutherland School for Architecture and Built Environment.
The building – designed by Archibald Simpson as a family home for former Aberdeen Journal editor David Chalmers in 1839 – is now owned by Aberdeen City Council and has stood vacant for more than a decade.
A group of stage three architecture students were tasked with adapting and extending the property to accommodate the George Washington Wilson Archive, Aberdeen Photography Centre and a small cafe.
Mr Robinson’s design was selected from a shortlist of seven.
The 21-year-old said: “My main focus was to inhabit the basement of Westburn House as I think it is a neglected space.
“By utilising that, it meant I could access the additional space required, while still treating the existing fabric of the building with respect.”
Stage three architectural design studio leader, Conrad Wiedermann, said: “There was a high level of realism in Ross’ project and a very clear strategy that was sympathetic to the existing building and did not comprise its architecture.
“I hope Aberdeen City Council might be inspired by some of the students’ ideas to revisit Westburn House and consider how they can find a suitable use for the building before it declines any further.”
Rosemount and Midstocket councillor Bill Cormie said he was encouraged to hear of the new plans.
He added: “I would be keen to look at them.
“It’s a beautiful building but it has been lying empty for years and no-one has come up with any solution.
“It will take a lot of money to get the place habitable again but, saying that, there is a lot of lottery and heritage funding around, which is easier for voluntary groups to access than it is for the council.”
The plans will be on display as part of the Scott Sutherland School end of year show, which runs from June 21-27.
