Holmes Partnership wins RIAS' Saltcoats competition
- Published: 22 January 2008 09:17
- Author: Richard Waite
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- Last Updated: 23 January 2008 16:22
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Glasgow-based The Holmes Partnership has won the RIAS competition to design a 'landmark' residential scheme overlooking the seafront at Ardrossan in Saltcoats, North Ayrshire.
The practice saw off a trio of Edinburgh practices – Elizabeth Roxburgh Architects, Cre8architecture and Joseph Thurrott Architects – to land the rare open housing-design contest.
Sponsored by Irvine Bay Urban Regeneration Company and local building company McLaughlin Construction, the competition attracted nearly 50 entries from as far afield as Jersey, London and Paris.
The judging panel was headed up by Glaswegian architect Dick Cannon and included developer Paul McLaughlin, sustainability expert Lori McElroy, and Arthur Watson, development manager at Irvine Bay.
Cannon said: 'The winning design by The Holmes Partnership is very striking with strong architectural flair and identity.
'This exciting design exploits the stunning seafront location and is sure to be a landmark for this prominent location, as well as meeting the need for two- and three-bedroom flats in the area.'
According to the practice, the winning design was influenced 'by the swelling waves of the sea and the vibrant colours and shapes of beach huts and boats'.
A timescale for the project, which is expected to be in-part prefabricated, is not yet known.
