The Hawkhill tower is located on the west perimeter of Dundee’s Cultural Quarter. A single storey restaurant was demolished to make way for the first single-access core multi-storey tower in Dundee. The nine storey tower provides commercial space on the lower ground and ground floor that accommodates a restaurant business. The restaurant commands the corner of Session Street & Hawkhill and is a very popular eatery.
The site footprint was extremely tight and a design of compact flats around a single access and lift core maximised the residential potential available. The upper 7 storeys accommodate 21 two bedroom flats each with open plan living kitchen space and dedicated balconies. This living accommodation enjoys panoramic views of the city and the Tay Estuary beyond.
Located on a very tight corner site the building is finished in Trespa cladding and render. Zinc wraps around and over the corner of the building and continues down into the inside of the restaurant below.
A building of significant character this provides a suitable gateway to the access into the Cultural Quarter providing popular and high quality residential accommodation in the heart of Dundee.
“Aim presented a thoroughly well considered case for developing this multi storey development with single means of escape - the first of its kind in Dundee." - Private Client
Having worked with Blackadders to successfully develop their property shop in Dundee, Aim were appointed to redesign the layout and aesthetic of their recently acquired Aberdeen office.
The primary access to the Grade-B listed building opens into the main reception where clients are met and enquiries are made. To the rear a second entrance affords access to the property shop. These two entrances are brought together around a hub of meeting rooms and ancillary facilities.
In the main reception, a new glazed meeting area opens up the space, creating an airy space for more informal appointments. The Blackadders branding has been used throughout the project, maintaining a crisp, modern feel that is now a familiar feature of Blackadders’ identity.
“Aim’s innovative and cutting edge design has become the benchmark for all of our Firm’s marketing” - Lindsay Darroch, Partner - Blackadders
In association with Dundee City Council Construction Services and the Unicorn Preservation Society, Aim were invited to develop a feature strategy including upgraded general and showcase lighting proposal to enhance a cherished piece of Dundee’s maritime heritage.
Funding was limited and it was agreed to target the main structural elements of the ship, themed room and craftsman’s marks throughout the lower decks. A non-invasive power & lighting design was developed that was discreet and respectful of the category ‘A’ listed ship interior.
The majority of the internal works comprise a series of strategically placed lighting features, highlighting previously largely hidden features as well reinforcing and enhancing the drama of the interior exhibits and nautical architecture.
A new dedicated reception module has been created on the quayside. Designed around and inside a shipping container, referencing the nautical theme of the setting, the module provides a low-cost and suitably functional visitor space to support the ship. The Unicorn Preservation Trust is branded throughout.
“Aim presented a thoroughly well considered case for developing this multi storey development with single means of escape - the first of its kind in Dundee." - Private Client
As an initial stepping stone to realising a larger creative media district development, Scottish Enterprise commissioned Aim to design proposals for an office space aimed at start-ups in the digital media sector. The building was constructed from recycled shipping containers in line with the modular construction ethos developed for District 10.
A BREEAM excellent standard building, District 10 provides 15 flexible workspace units each formed from two combined shipping containers. Common amenities and a break out cafe and meeting spaces support the workspaces.
The brand name and industrial design conveys cargo, transport or modular construction likened to a crating stamp. Externally, the building’s brand aesthetic origins link to the 1990s game Tetris. Each elevation is a game screen with pixelated shapes. This pixelation is carried through internally and on all branding and marketing material.
The spaces within the building have been designed to retain the industrial aesthetic of the containers, whilst creating a vibrant space that is comfortable and practical for users. Bold pixelated colour and pattern are used in communal areas to create a strong visual identity and unmistakable character for the building throughout.
“Aim’s industrial aesthetic has been applied to the building in its entirety creating an innovative and inspiring interior befitting of its past and present use.” - Isla Robb - Scottish Enterprise
District 10 Testimonial 2
“Aim have created a visually striking building that will be the cornerstone for future modular development in this significant part of Dundee’s Waterfront development.’’ - Peter Noad - Scottish Enterprise
Aim Design were commissioned by Dundee Science Centre to develop their Science Learning Institute which includes a new exhibition entitled ‘Medical Marvels’. This playful refurbishment celebrates Dundee’s pioneering medical advances in non-invasive surgery over the last 100 years with opportunities to get hands on at every turn and put new skills into practice! A new experience vein pulses its way through the first floor gallery space commencing with the history of surgery from the 14th century and continuing with exhibits demonstrating present, non-invasive surgical technology as well as glimpses into our surgical future. Throughout the space, seamless solid-surface materials and dramatic feature-lighting are used to create sleek environments that appear futuristic and sculpted with surgical precision to connect exhibits along the way.
The experience vein folds tightly through the available floor area to extend the route and maximise visitor dwell time over the relatively small space. The graphic design and circular clusters of information lozenges compliment the soft curves of the visitor vein.
A path of white spherical lights pulses red with a blood flow effect along the visitor pathway lighting the way and incorporating a visualisation of blood pressure guiding visitors through the route.
“Aim presented a thoroughly well considered case for developing this multi storey development with single means of escape - the first of its kind in Dundee." - Private Client
This four bedroom house is located in the middle of the Carbeth Estate overlooking the dramatic Scottish Campsie Fells. The building focuses on the hills and the interior spaces were to be modern with a hint of rustic charm. The prominence of the site and its rural location presented sensitivities relating to planning regulations which required careful consideration early in the design process. The developed proposal has strong links to the local vernacular, creating a simple form which has been orientated to take advantage of its location. The large glazed gable end captures a dramatic view of the Campsie Hills. Scottish larch timber cladding provides the building with natural warmth that helps to blend with the hues of the fells surrounding it, making this a sensitive and successful addition to the area’s built landscape.
Simple material choices of ash, western red cedar, oak and polished resin cement are enriched with vibrant tile choices in warm greens and reds. The master bedroom has a large glass window capturing the view of the fells beyond and overlooking the open plan kitchen and living spaces below. A mix of suspended pendants, rustic rugs, memory wall pictures and reclaimed furniture combine with the simple internal finishes to complete this warm and eclectic family home.
“You feel like you are working with people who care as much about your house as their own” - Helen and Mick McTernan
Aim were commissioned by Dundee Heritage Trust to upgrade Discovery Point’s existing award-winning exhibition introduction and education spaces on the ground floor, whilst concurrently refurbishing their function spaces on the first floor.
In close cooperation with the team at Discovery Point, and on a limited budget, a series of points for strategic interventions within the existing exhibition were identified. The redesign included a new introduction experience that included a leader movie; creation of an education zone and dress-up station as well as replacing a number of the more dated exhibits with exciting new features which effectively complement and enhance the existing exhibition.
Aim designed and coordinated construction, interior and graphic design, creative direction of AV, display of star objects and continued on-site management throughout the works to completion.
The project was recognised at the DIA awards, winning the Best Interior Design award.
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 1980’s 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 café and dining areas’ bold patterns and colours create a quirky, comfortable space in which to dine and socialise. A reading tower invites guests up a winding themed stair to enjoy their favourite novel and the view over the Firth of Tay.
“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
