Extending a historic workplace for the future

Cairngorms National Park Authority HQ

Aberdeenshire, Scotland

2014 — 2018

Clients Cairngorms National Park Authority, Reidhaven Estate

Workplace

An ambitious rethink and reorganisation of the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) HQ to transform its community interface and promote collaborative working.

A modern building with a wooden facade integrated with a traditional stone house. The structure features large glass windows, blending contemporary and classic architecture, set against a clear sky and surrounded by greenery.

Set within a historic town centre, the project delivers a welcoming new entrance to a nineteenth-century stone building, and a brand-new wing to give space for growth. Extrapolating the town grain, the contemporary CLT extension carefully choreographs the shift between old and new. Clad in European Larch and pleated zinc, it is designed to embed naturally into the townscape as it weathers over time.

‘This project shows you can make brilliant sustainable architecture that engages with the local community on a budget.’

Architect's Journal Awards Jury Citation

Open plan workspaces and meeting rooms are arranged within a sequence of clearly articulated volumes, creating a spectrum of spaces from public to private. Moveable timber-clad screens allow reconfiguration with agility and ease. Exposed timber is complemented by frameless glazing, optimising natural daylight and providing views out onto the surrounding landscape to create a calm working environment.

A modern office space with light wooden walls and ceiling, featuring large windows. Outside, a stone building with an arched roof is visible across the street. The room has white desks and computer monitors.

Minimalist interior with light wood walls and ceiling, concrete floor, and large sliding door revealing an elevator. Three white chairs and a round table are under pendant lights. Large windows offer natural light and an outdoor view.

A modern office space with a minimalist design, featuring long desks, office chairs, and suspended rectangular lights. Large windows allow natural light to illuminate the room, and a slanted ceiling adds a contemporary touch.

Modern office interior with light wood walls and large floor-to-ceiling windows. A gray office chair faces a desk in the left corner. Outside, stone buildings and greenery are visible under a clear sky.

Designed in response to the cold northern climate, the building’s layout and orientation take advantage of solar gain, and high levels of insulation and energy efficient windows effectively retain heat. Sustainably certified mass timber is used throughout the project, and wildlife boxes and an intensively planted roof enhance the special ecology of the site.