Space Solutions is delighted to announce that the Energy Transition Skills Hub facility delivered for Energy Transition Zone (ETZ Ltd) in Aberdeen has been named winner of the Education category at the Aberdeen Society of Architects (ASA) Design Awards 2026.
The accolade recognises the project's outstanding contribution to skills infrastructure, sustainable design, and the regeneration of a long-vacant industrial site.
The project began with the 2023 acquisition by ETZ Ltd of a derelict distribution centre at Altens in Aberdeen. This comprised of a steel-framed building dating from the late 1970s that had stood empty since 2016. Rather than demolish and rebuild, the Space Solutions design team worked closely with the client to reimagine the building entirely, retaining the existing structure and reviewing every design decision through a Whole Life Carbon performance matrix.
Ruari Campbell, Studio Director said “This award is a reflection of what a collaborative project can achieve. From the outset, ETZ Ltd have shared our conviction that the most sustainable building is one that already exists to become one of the most forward-thinking skills facilities in the region. We are enormously proud of the whole team.”
The project was made possible through the coming together of multiple funding partners across government and the private sector and now stands as the transformational anchor project of the wider Energy Transition Zone, a symbol of what joined-up ambition can deliver for communities and industries.
Left to right: Allan Liddell: Award Sponsor Cupa Pizarras, Emma Mills: Space Solutions, Neil Strachan: Space Solutions and Andy McNair: President of the Aberdeen Society of Architects. Photographer: Martin Parker.
The facility, operated by North East Scotland College, opened in Summer 2025 and houses dedicated spaces for exotic welding, advanced manufacturing, 3D printing, and digital skills training, alongside traditional teaching spaces, a café and a flexible event space. A key purpose of the facility is to support the region's energy transition and decarbonisation objectives, equipping the future workforce with the expertise to keep it at the forefront of the energy industry.
The sustainability credentials of the project are significant. Demolition was minimised, construction arisings were reused on-site, and a low-impact timber structure virtually eliminated any interventions to the existing concrete floor. The building was fully overclad in a high-performance, recyclable envelope and a complete new services installation, combined with a full de-gas, delivered an A-rated EPC whilst showing a near 65% reduction in Carbon Emissions from the existing building.
Internally, the design celebrates the building's industrial heritage whilst introducing contemporary interventions that speak clearly to its new purpose. Generous daylight throughout the advanced manufacturing spaces deliberately challenges the notion that industry must take place in dark, poorly lit utilitarian environments.
Lauren Braidwood, Senior Skills Manager at ETZ Ltd, said: "This transformational facility reflects our commitment to reinvigorating North East Scotland. It brings together our passion for responsible construction, through renovating a dilapidated building, with our focus on people and skills, creating an exciting facility that will educate and inspire the workforce of the future. This award is a wonderful recognition of the shared vision and dedication of all the project partners, and the importance educational facilities like this play in energy transition."