Simpson & Brown's restoration of 16th-century Fairburn Tower shortlisted for Scottish architecture award
By
Starr Charles
An everything bagel for the brain. Substantive, layered, well-seasoned.
Summary
The article features a video by Jim Stephenson showcasing Fairburn Tower, a 16th-century tower house in the Scottish Highlands that has been restored by architecture studio Simpson & Brown. The restoration project is shortlisted for the RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award 2025. The video is part of a series collaboration between Dezeen and the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland to highlight the award shortlist. The restoration transformed the ruined tower into a modern family home while preserving its historic character, using traditional materials and techniques alongside contemporary interventions.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledThe film forms part of a series being published by Dezeen in collaboration with the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) to highlight the annual award's 2025 shortlist.
The restoration of Fairburn Tower by Simpson & Brown has transformed the ruined 16th-century tower house into a modern family home while preserving its historic character.
The project involved extensive conservation work using traditional materials and techniques, alongside carefully considered contemporary interventions.
The RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award is one of the country's most prestigious architecture prizes, recognizing excellence in Scottish architecture.
The video showcases how the architects balanced preservation with modern living requirements, creating a sustainable home that respects the building's heritage.
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