Laura Sutherland studied both her BSc in Architecture and her MArch (Distinction) at the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture (RGU) in Aberdeen, Scotland. Sutherland graduated in 2024 after completing her thesis titled ‘Heralding the New Stone Age,’ (exhibited) which has been awarded the RGU Art and Heritage Award and nominated for the RIBA Silver Medal. In addition, Laura won a final award for her work across the final Masters year. Born in Peterhead, Scotland, Laura grew up admiring rural architecture and has become passionate about saving our rich built heritage.
‘Heralding the New Stone Age’ explores a new architecture which returns to the roots of traditional Scottish building techniques and materials. The project regenerates the idea of compression-only stone structure to form contemporary, low carbon architecture for both residential and commercial use. It investigates the existing paradoxical situation, where Scotland has a vast stone‐built heritage, however the stone industry that produced it has all but disappeared ‐ and still a vast wealth of material remains beneath our feet. The project aims to add to the growing awareness of the benefits of stone construction which includes reducing embodied carbon.
