An historical conservation in Glasgow has won its fifth prestigious design award.

The Merchant City's former Bell Street Stables scooped two prizes at the Saltire Awards – the Housing & Design Multiple Dwelling Award and the Saltire Medal.

CCG, on behalf of Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) and Lowther Homes, upgraded the stables into a unique and affordable housing complex of 52 one- and two-bedroom apartments.

Sarah Mason, Director of the Saltire Society, said: “Congratulations to all our 2021 recipients. To the architects, planners, contractors, clients, and teams that continue to show innovation, quality and attention to detail are present in the creation of Scotland’s architectural landscape.

“Established by the Society in 1937, the awards advocate the importance of good housing for all and continue to this day to promote good design and quality housing as well as honour and encourage creativity, excellence and innovation in modern Scottish placemaking.”

READ MORE: Transformation of Merchant City stables into homes bags prestigious design award

The stables were owned and operated by Glasgow City Council’s Cleansing Department in the late 19th century, and were home to horses, carts, and equipment.

Previous accolades include a GIA ‘Special’ Conversion Award in 2019, Best Affordable Housing at the Scottish Design Awards in 2020, and Best Renovation and Conversion at the Herald Property Awards.

In September, the stables won Historic Environment Scotland’s Conservation and Climate Change Award, a special category award of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland’s (RIAS) Awards.

READ MORE: Sainsbury's open Merchant City store creating 15 new jobs in Glasgow

The £7 million project was commended for its sustainable reuse of elements of the original building, including the horse ramp, horse stalls, water fountains and troughs.

CCG Scotland shared contrasting before and after pictures on Twitter celebrating the Saltire Awards double win. 

They tweeted: “From this… to this. The former Bell Street Stables is a unique example of a historical building conservation in the city of Glasgow, and it is now the recipient of two prestigious @Saltire_Society Awards.”