Art Deco Pavilion Restoration on Scottish Coast

The revitalization of a classic Art Deco pavilion and outdoor pool complex situated near MacDuff, Aberdeenshire, has garnered significant attention. This architectural marvel, meticulously restored by Studio Octopi, a firm based in London, is currently a contender for the prestigious RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award. A captivating video by photographer Jim Stephenson offers viewers an intimate look into this remarkable project, which aims to fully reactivate both the tea pavilion and the swimming facilities for public enjoyment.

This visual narrative is part of an ongoing series presented by Dezeen, in collaboration with the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS). The series aims to spotlight the distinguished projects that have made it to the 2026 shortlist for this esteemed annual award, celebrating architectural excellence across Scotland.

Studio Octopi’s approach to the Tarlair Outdoor Pool Pavilion focused on maintaining its original 1930s Art Deco essence while thoughtfully incorporating contemporary enhancements. A notable upgrade includes the introduction of a marble-clad exterior, chosen not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its durability against the coastal elements.

James Lowe, director of Studio Octopi, articulated the design philosophy, stating, "Our intention was to honor the Art Deco era in which the structure was first conceived." He further elaborated on the material selection, explaining, "The choice of green, derived from paint samples found on the original railings, led us to select marble, ensuring the building's longevity and resistance to the environmental conditions."

The Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award, established in 2002, is an annual accolade celebrating outstanding architectural projects throughout Scotland. This year's winner is scheduled to be unveiled on November 26. The 2026 shortlist is particularly noteworthy for its emphasis on three distinct adaptive reuse projects, reflecting what RIAS describes as "crucial discussions surrounding community engagement, collaborative efforts, and the principles of retrofit and reuse." Alongside the Tarlair Outdoor Pool Pavilion, other shortlisted projects include the Paisley Central Library by Collective Architecture and the Edinburgh Futures Institute by Bennetts Associates. The previous year's award was bestowed upon a public park renewal project, a collaborative effort by studios Stallan-Brand and LDA Design.