2017 Sustainable Building Awards

18 BUILD / Sustainable Building Awards 2017 , Best Rural Design Firm – Dumfries & Galloway & BUILD Excellence Award for Agricultural Building Design Hazel J L Smith Chartered Architects is a small practice based in rural SouthWest Scotland undertaking projects within the agricultural, residential, ecclesiastical and commercial sectors. We invited Hazel Smith to discuss the firm’s current and future plans, outlining what makes the firm such a success. Dedication in providing the best service for their clients, Hazel J L Smith Architects work hard to ensure every project is completed with the upmost professionalism. Hazel outlines some of the recent projects the firm has been working on. “Last year a challenging project was to reconstruct an Iron Age Roundhouse for The Whithorn Trust based on nearby archaeological remains preserved from 2500 years ago. The site was a scheduled monument and difficult restrictions resulted in the design team creating a concrete slab to build the roundhouse upon, protecting the ground underneath. Whilst respecting the site and encompassing traditional building techniques the roundhouse still had to meet modern building regulations and planning requirements. “This amazing project was carried out in a short time frame and brought in on time and within budget and met the archaeologist’s requirements, also the clients brief. Many of the materials were sourced and harvested locally and some generously donated by local landowners. Having trained the local craftsmen, the roundhouse can be maintained for the future and these skills will continue to be passed on to future generations.” Working with the client and understanding their needs is integral for the firm, especially considering most business comes through word of mouth. Hazel emphasizes how important it is to ensure the project is completed within the timescale and budget requested. “The practice aims to give an honest, efficient service working closely with clients to ensure their dreams are realised. Many clients are newcomers to our beautiful rural area moving away from city life and realising that by selling their city dwellings and moving to an idyllic lifestyle Contact: Hazel Smith Contact Email: [email protected] Address: Corwar Outon Farm, Whithorn, Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire, DG8 8DJ Telephone: 01988 500 287 Website: www.hazelsmitharchitect.co.uk they can buy a sizeable property and afford to create their dream home/work place. “Rather than building new homes many people are choosing to improve their property, many garden rooms have been undertaken providing modern living space, bringing light deep into the building and connecting to the outdoor space. In a rural area your reputation is spread through word of mouth, therefore Hazel J L Smith Chartered Architects always ensures to fulfils the clients brief, budget and timescale whilst creating spaces to be enjoyed for years to come.” SU170013