As part of an ongoing relationship with Hutchison Technologies LTD, Aim were commissioned to develop a design for their new headquarters in Dundee’s technology park. Working within an existing split office/warehouse the proposal strips back the current building introducing new floors and curtain-wall glazing, an entrance vestibule, and solar-shading.
Aim are responsible for a highly detailed design which includes architectural, interior, and graphic/branding design. Accommodation comprises: a reception area; high-spec office space; gym; breakout space; kitchen; boardroom; and an array of workshop, warehouse, and other service spaces. A central angular feature stair and breakout area ties the surrounding spaces together and provides formal and informal meeting opportunities for employees and customers.
The exterior of the building has been carefully considered, with a strategy based around simplifying the existing curtain-wall glazing, into which is inserted a bold geometric entrance vestibule which uses Hutchison’s corporate blue to create a sense of identity and arrival.
Aim were commissioned by Scottish Enterprise to form proposals for a new Creative Media District at Seabraes Yards in Dundee. The proposed masterplan is formed entirely of modular construction and prefabricated elements, including a central core of offices created using recycled shipping containers and high density residential live/work units, all designed for fast track assembly using the latest factory automated, timber closed panel construction. This is one example of a wide range of sustainable strategies adopted for the development of the site.
The developed Building and Environmental initiatives have emerged to provide a new plan strongly founded on perceived value and sustainability. Close interface development between each of the zones has produced a District of raw and honest character with industrial process evident and celebrated.
Despite the physical difference, the development of a consistent and robust approach in each building’s external fabric has maintained a common aesthetic, strengthening the relationship between each of the buildings and their surrounding environment. The unique appeal of DISTRICT 10 offers flexible development opportunities to future organisations and sets out specific guidance for their delivery.
“The regeneration of this difficult contaminated site will make a significant contribution to the realisation of the £1bn+ Dundee Waterfront project.” - Peter Noad, Project Manager, Business Infrastructure - Scottish Enterprise
When Dundee City Council auctioned off the former Duntrune demonstration garden in 2006, Aim were commissioned by DDL to produce a series of four 300m² villas to reflect the massing and form of the existing terraced housing. The eventual design was a classic contemporary solution to assimilate with the adjacent Victorian villas.
A simple palate of sandstone, white render and Iroko timber compliment the interior of the houses’ open plan, ground floor living-spaces, and the 5 substantial first-floor bedrooms. Existing mature planting was protected to maintain screening from the street, with substantial gardens facing South West to the rear of the properties, offering privacy from Duntrune Terrace. Owners have complimented the design and internal organisation of the houses, with particular praise received from resident and TV presenter Lorraine Kelly.
“It’s the mix of old and new that we love. The Iroko timber is stunning and the open plan living area has genuinely changed how we live!” - Bob Doak - Goretex
This draft concept proposal for a stay and work building with a flexible showcase space would be located at Site 17 on the new Dundee Waterfront, featuring office and food-retail space, dedicated working areas, and showcase space for the promotion and incubatory development of digital media. Café and work places break out at the ground floor into a sheltered pedestrian thoroughfare running along the full length of the building.
A vertical emphasis to the façade is adopted to break the linear form of the building. White brick and ashlar stone segment the vertical elements of the façade, with corten steel complimenting the existing external railings around the storm attenuation ponds.
Urban gardens are proposed in rooftop locations. Each garden would be maintained by the building factor and are for common use by stay/work residents.
The recognition of a shortage in secondary science curriculum programmes led to the commission to identify potential for a new annex to Dundee Science Centre to support science education excellence.
The proposal comprises a 2500m2 horseshoe building form to embrace a new courtyard facing west toward the Tay Estuary and the setting sun. Two building fingers were developed, one housing the educational wing and the other the corporate and events wing. These are bridged by a 300 seat auditorium and thoroughfare providing a central seminar space which looks out onto the newly formed, multi-purpose courtyard; a setting for the 30m high ‘Bio-woman’, skinned in aluminium discs, created by internationally acclaimed artist, David Mach.
This grade B listed villa in Dundee’s West End had previously been used as offices, with many of its original characterful features having been covered by 1980s additions. It was therefore essential that a sensitive approach be taken to once again reveal the building’s true potential in order to create a luxury hotel and bistro.
Original features were maintained where possible, and carefully added to when necessary to develop solutions complying with current Building Regulations. The overall aesthetic is understated and wholesome, giving a welcoming feel to the hotel and its grounds. Period features have been used within the sleeping accommodation and en-suites, achieving an air of luxury. The cafe and dining areas’ bold patterns and colours create a quirky, comfortable space in which to dine and socialise.
“Aim have been on call throughout the project to help deal with a variety of complex issues that are inherent in transforming a building of this age and heritage. They have been crucial in guiding the project through the building warrant process and helping to develop the hotel’s true potential as a luxury destination in Dundee.’’ - Richie Hawkins, Hotel Owner
This residence is a bold, modernist building that has been designed in response to the client’s love of contemporary architecture and design. In order to be modelled and visualised, an existing design was brought to Aim, featuring planar elements reminiscent of architectural styles developed by Mies van der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright. Rigid geometries define internal spaces and extend outward, anchoring the building in its natural context. Internal spaces are developed to encourage open plan living in the public area of the house where living and dining areas are combined.
With Aim’s input, the design was developed and refined with the introduction of natural materials to blend with contemporary aesthetics, creating a modern yet homely sense of luxury, and bringing visual tangibility to the scheme.
Hanna & Strachan Ltd approached Aim to create proposals for a new 3-star hotel, restaurant, and conference facility ideally located next to Dundee airport.
The proposal consists of two main elements: the 4 storey Hotel Tower and 2 storey accommodation wing. The tower is located at the East end of the site, accommodating reception, conference; and restaurant facilities offering panoramic views across the River Tay. The accommodation wing to the west of the Hotel Tower is elevated a storey above the existing ground level, allowing for parking beneath the structure and providing a strong horizontal form that is enhanced by the provision of angled windows offering up-river views.
Despite initial resistance from the local authority, Planning Approval was granted by committee based on the quality of design and the well-reasoned argument put forward by Aim and the wider design team.
Aim were commissioned by a private client to assess the viability of a residential development on an area of agricultural ground on the periphery of the village of Longforgan, Perthshire. A series of four different house types were developed with a common material language adopted across the designs and a series of configurations to provide variations on the core four plans.
The masterplan included the introduction of 30 plots of varying sizes and layouts and included a core pathway network, nature corridor and SUDS solution to complete the site layout.
This unusual site was originally a rope maker’s workshop and yard, dating from the early 19th Century. The site is some 170m long and between 7m and 12m wide, set within the West End Lanes Conservation Area of Dundee. The proposal introduces a string of residential accommodation linked via a series of public spaces and a new semi-private lane, and was recognised and exhibited at The Royal Scottish Academy’s Annual Exhibition.
With the original buildings largely destroyed by fire, the proposal seeks to retain the remaining red brick arched walls and the Ropeworks gateway in homage to the site’s historical use and character. A simple palate of red brick, render, and sandstone is laced together along the site with galvanised fences and gates of Manila Rope infill as testament to the lane’s origin.
“A comprehensive site appraisal and early CGI modelling provided opportunities to assess the optimum layout of this challenging site” - Mark Wilson, Director - Isis Properties
