Both awards are within the commercial categories where we have won Best Architectural Practice and Best Commercial Build for Leeds Skelton Lake Motorway Services.
With an unprecedented phased-opening due to the impact of Covid-19, Skelton Lake Services is a new concept Motorway Service Area (MSA) and the first of its kind for the Leeds City Region. Initially opened to support key workers during the first national lockdown in March, the MSA was then activated in a series of stages culminating in the opening of the Ramada Hotel in mid-September 2020.
Located on the M1 at Junction 45 and set within the countryside of the Aire Valley to the east of Leeds, Skelton Lake Services has a rich connection to the local landscape and features a Wildlife Visitor’s Centre operated in partnership with The RSPB. The design includes a signature undulating roof, formed in a series of ribbons, and supported by exposed glulam beams with vibrant green planting.
The award for Best Commercial Architecture Practice, specifically recognises the work of our northern-based studios in Manchester, Leeds, Darlington and Glasgow. Across the studios, completed projects include our work on the headquarters of the Great North Air Ambulance Service, Skelton Lake MSA and the refurbishment of the Royal Liver Building, coupled with our proposals for future schemes including Elements Edinburgh – the planned transformation of a disused runway at Edinburgh Airport into a new, sustainable, digital and residential zone.
Well done to our fantastic studios for these award wins, particularly the Skelton Lake team and our incredible client Extra MSA Group.
