HELENSBURGH'S most famous landmark - or rather the steel mesh frame which now surrounds it - has won praise from judges in a national architectural awards scheme for its "radical approach to conservation".

The Hill House Box, constructed in 2019 to protect the early-20th century Charles Rennie Mackintosh masterpiece from the elements - has been named by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) as one of the country's best new buildings.

The £3.2 million project was shortlisted for the 2020 RIAS awards in March last year, and this year it is one of 14 winners including the Egg Shed in Ardrishaig, a moveable microhome on the Isle of Skye, a new training centre for Scotland’s sporting champions in Inverclyde and a redeveloped art gallery in Aberdeen.

The Box, designed by architectural firm Carmody Groarke for its owners the National Trust for Scotland (NTS), provides an environment for the historic category A listed building to dry out from prolonged water damage.

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Described as "a hybridisation of tradition and intervention", the Box also offers visitor facilities through the creation of a demountable structure and walkway allowing people to see its conservation at close quarters.

The RIAS awards judges praised the success of the Hill House Box, both in terms of protecting the building and attracting many more visitors, and for its “daring and unconventional approach that has solved a very difficult problem".

RIAS president Christina Gaiger said: “I am delighted to see the Hill House Box winning a RIAS Award. It is a terrific building and a great example of how architecture can make a real difference to places and people’s lives.

"My congratulations to Carmody Groarke, their client National Trust for Scotland, and the local community in Helensburgh who played such an important role in helping this fantastic building take shape."

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The Hill House Box and all other winners of the RIAS awards will become the ‘longlist’ for the RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award, the shortlist for which will be announced on September 30, with the winner announced exactly one month later.

Ms Gaiger said: "The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of our built environment to individuals and communities, and the RIAS Awards are a moment to pause and celebrate the incredible difference that architects are making across the country.

"This year’s RIAS Awards demonstrate the critical role architecture can play – whether that is delivering better homes and public services, addressing climate change, celebrating our shared culture and heritage, or simply giving moments of real delight.

"There is a real breadth in this year’s clutch of RIAS Awards, demonstrating the versatility of the profession, and each of them is a very worthy winner.”

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