We are absolutely thrilled to announce that our “Black and Stone” project has been selected as a finalist in the prestigious Scottish Design Awards 2025, competing in the Conservation category. This outstanding recognition celebrates a truly unique project that exemplifies our commitment to harmoniously blending architectural heritage with contemporary design excellence.
A Project That Bridges Past and Present
Black and Stone represents something truly special – a stunning new-build within the historic ruins of a small farm workers cottage. This remarkable 210-square-metre, four-bedroom timber-frame project demonstrates how thoughtful conservation can create a harmonious relationship between past and present, blending the vernacular and contemporary elements.
Inspired by Nordic hytte design, the project showcases our ability to respect and celebrate historical fabric while creating a thoroughly modern home. The black timber exterior contrasts with light, historic stone fabric, with an internal stone wall rebuilt from salvaged stone — a nod to the site’s history. This careful attention to preserving and reimagining the original materials demonstrates the conservation principles that have earned this prestigious nomination.
Recognition of Excellence and Hard Work
This nomination is a testament to the extraordinary hard work, vision, and expertise that our entire team has invested in the Black and Stone project. From the initial concept through to final delivery, every element has been meticulously planned and executed to ensure the highest standards of both conservation practice and contemporary design.
We are immensely proud of how this project has captured the attention of the design and conservation community. The recognition validates our approach of ensuring that architecture, history, and place are thoughtfully intertwined to create a timeless and enduring home. This achievement reflects years of dedication and the pursuit of excellence that defines our practice.
A Credit to Our Exceptional Team
This Scottish Design Awards nomination belongs to every member of our talented team who contributed to the success of Black and Stone. Our design team’s innovative vision created something truly remarkable – a project where five distinct gables create a striking architectural form while respecting the historical context of the original cottage ruins.
We are particularly proud of our builders and craftsmen whose skill and dedication brought this complex project to life. Their expertise in working with both traditional stone conservation techniques and contemporary timber construction was essential to achieving the seamless integration of old and new. The careful alignment of oversized windows to frame the original historic openings, bridging old and new, required exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The collaborative effort extended to our partners, including structural engineer Christie Gilespie, whose technical expertise ensured that our ambitious design vision could be safely and effectively realised within the constraints of the historic stone walls.
Celebrating Innovation in Conservation
What makes this recognition particularly meaningful is how Black and Stone demonstrates that conservation doesn’t mean preservation in amber – it can mean thoughtful evolution and enhancement. The project shows how durable, natural materials ground the building in its environment while creating spaces that serve contemporary living needs.
The design allows the expansive first-floor windows to frame sweeping views of snow-capped mountains, seamlessly connecting the interior to the surrounding landscape, proving that sensitive conservation can enhance rather than compromise the relationship between building and setting.
Looking Forward with Pride
As we anticipate the Scottish Design Awards ceremony on 25 June 2025, we remain incredibly proud of what has been achieved with Black and Stone. This nomination reinforces our position as innovators in conservation-led design, demonstrating that it’s possible to honour historical significance while creating homes that are thoroughly suited to modern life.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our entire design and construction team, whose passion and expertise made this recognition possible. We also thank our clients for trusting us with such a sensitive and important project, and for sharing our vision of what conservation can achieve.
This achievement inspires us to continue pushing the boundaries of thoughtful, heritage-sensitive design, always maintaining our commitment to creating projects where past and present exist in perfect harmony.
The Scottish Design Awards 2025 ceremony will take place on 25 June 2025, where winners will be announced across all categories. Black and Stone demonstrates Mallett’s expertise in both architecture and interior design, creating spaces where history and contemporary living unite seamlessly.
