March 29 2023

Two projects led by the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and the Built Environment (SSSA) have been credited with raising the calibre of design in the region.

The Aberdeen Society recognised the Truss (Integra) House near Fraserburgh for its innovative use of timber and green credentials while a sister project, the Greyhope Bay Centre at Torry Point Battery, was celebrated for its 'off-grid' credentials.

Set in Tyrie in the heart of rural Aberdeenshire The Truss employs low-energy materials to make rural living more affordable. Built to Passivhaus standards and built with laser precision the entire house was built off-site before being transported and built in a day. Walls, floor and roof were enveloped in a truss structure which removed the need for structural lintels, freeing the hand of contractors from using specialist lifting equipment.

Both projects were led by professor Gokay Deveci, who said: “Integra House’ offers an affordable and entirely new concept for rural living. The aim was to reduce the overall operational energy consumption of the house and to deliver low maintenance.

“By using an innovative truss frame, we were able to simplify operations on site and to reduce the time spent erecting the house. This improved the ease of buildability in a remote rural location and enabled us to use the locally available workforce. The project shows that with careful consideration, it is possible to achieve affordable, high-quality contemporary architecture in a rural location."

Referring to the work at Greyhope Bay, a converted shipping container next to a scheduled ancient monument, Deveci added: "The project reflects the role ‘architecture’ has in nurturing and sustaining our local communities. It creatively reuses existing assets and support a strong sense of place. There is a brighter future for Torry Battery."

The projects won the 'innovative use of timber' and public categories at the Aberdeen Society Design Awards 2023.

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