Aim were invited to respond to a brief developed by St Andrews Links Trust (SALT) to analyse the present facilities at the Eden Club House, the primary focus being the enhancement of the visitor experience to compliment the high quality of experience offered at seven golf courses owned and managed by the trust.
The proposal includes the upgrade of the existing Eden Clubhouse with a new, refurbished entrance, restaurant, kitchen, meeting and changing spaces and office accommodation all linked via an internal street and offering commanding views over the links starter box.
A new dedicated organisation headquarters building on two storeys sits separately within the Eden Clubhouse grounds providing primary office and meeting spaces as well as a substantial west terrace that overlooks the 18th green.
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.
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
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.
As part of the temporary enhancements to Dundee’s emerging waterfront, Aim Design were commissioned to develop proposals for a versatile creative retail experience formed from shipping containers. CUBE was designed to be transferrable to different sites in Dundee and around the UK as a re-generator for frustrated and stagnated inner-city sites.
CUBE, is a series of 10ft, 20ft and 40ft incubator retail spaces staggered to provide a faceted street frontage with container ends opened to the street.
Each container is coloured to graduate a pastel range along the façade. A series of 10ft containers situated on top of the retail units act as light boxes advertising the creative arts events and heratage that Dundee and its surrounding communities have to offer.
As part of an on-going relationship of upgrade and estate enhancement Aim were appointed to carry out a feasibility study for a new start up business incubator building. A 2-storey construction with a rain screen cladding and glass skin defends a position within in the established Blackness Industrial Estate. The internal organisation is susceptible to business fluctuations enabling flexible unit growth and lease terms.
Low energy consumption integration is a vital component in promoting the low cost running of the commercial spaces.
Super insulated construction combined with eco-heating initiatives offer the business newcomer an affordable and flexible facility to support future growth.
Aim were commissioned to undertake the design of an integrated development on a brown field city centre site, linking new build infill and conversion of a section of the listed former Castle Flour Mill, with minimal intrusion works to two historic courtyards. The massing and choice of materials flowed from this flows from the existing character of Exchange Street. Regard was paid to the scale of the former warehouse buildings which occupied the site, and to differences in the properties to either side. The relationship between the building in terms of vertical and horizontal, height and colour were respected. Towers of differing heights were placed at each end to create a transition from old to new, and a change in material was introduced to reflect the massing of the former warehouse buildings.
Central corner towers were created to either side of a fought-for opening to frame the splendour of the elaborate apse of the Category A Listed St Paul’s Cathedral.
