1 September 2022

Wood Awards Shortlist

Our Greyfriars Charteris Centre project has been shortlisted for The Wood Awards. Celebrating the diverse, creative, and high-quality buildings and furniture being made in the UK using the world’s only truly sustainable and renewable material – wood.

2022 Wood Awards Shortlist.

You can see all 32 shortlisted projects at an exhibition at The Oxo Tower in London from 22-25 September and a second exhibition which will include models of the building entries will take place from late October to early December at the @thebuildingcentre London.

This is our second shortlisting for this national prestigious award with Lockerbie Sawmill shortlisted in 2021.

Photography by @nannespringer

 

31 August 2022

RIBA Journal PIP Cover

Lovely to be on the cover of PIP (Products in Practice) supplemnet of the RIBA Journal this month with an article on our Greyfriars Charteris Centre.

Writing by New Practice.

PIP cover
29 August 2022

Planning Granted

Planning and listed building consent granted for this extension to a B-Listed currently derelict building on our street in Leith.

Planning granted
22 August 2022

Dezeen musical architecture

Our musical score project on Dezeen.

Artist’s Studio

Like buses… that’s two in two weeks.

Dezeen Architecture
28 July 2022

Greyfriars Charteris Centre in the Architects’ Journal

Our Charteris Centre published in the Architects’ Journal today.

Behind a paywall but snippet right >

Client:

“Konishi Gaffney identified how best to achieve this and skilfully executed their proposals on site… The main entrance has been carefully slotted in between parts of the existing building giving it a definite street presence externally and, internally, all parts of the building are visually opened up to the entrance hall, both horizontally and vertically, welcoming the visitor in, get their bearings and move on through the building.

As well as these practical solutions to the design the interior detailing has been handled exquisitely by Konishi Gaffney.  The new elements of the design, mainly made from a limited palette of glass and wood, sit sympathetically with the original building, delicately layered over the original features allowing a very contemporary aesthetic without covering up the past”.

Johnnie Webster – Charteris Centre

25 July 2022

RIAS Doolan Prize Shortlist

The RIAS announced today the RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award shortlist, with Konishi Gaffney on the list of 5 buildings.

From the RIAS: “This award is one of the most significant architectural awards in the world, and the pinnacle of the RIAS’ annual awards programme.  Together, these buildings demonstrate how, thanks to the skill and talent of Scottish architects, everyday buildings can be transformed into extraordinary places.”

A huge thanks to our clients James Jones & Sons Ltd and especially Jon Stevenson who championed the architecture throughout. And the whole design team: Structural Engineer: Entuitive & Forshaw Gauld | M&E: Irons Foulner | Project Manager: Asher Associates | QS: McGowan Miller | Contractor: David Hardie Engineering. Adam Williams was our in-house project lead.

And of course, to @dapple.photography for the brilliant photos!

Shortlsit for the RIAS Doolan Award
24 June 2022

Homes & Interiors Magazine

Our Blackford Road project is in Homes & Interiors Scotland this month.

Words by Caroline Ednie, photography by the brilliant @nannespringer

H&IS
13 June 2022

Bathroom mock ups

Our clients made these cardboard WC and sink to mock up the space in a small bathroom…

Cardbord WC and sink
10 June 2022

Bowhouse Food Production

We’ve been working as architect for Bowhouse in Fife, where the most recent Food Production units are complete and looking lovely in the summer sunshine.

Bowhouse units
9 June 2022

Cowstall barrier

We are always looking for opportunities to add value to projects through design. This simple barrier, to protect people coming out of Bowhouse farm buildings near where cars drive, could have been something boring and standard. With some design thought we referenced the old cowsheds in this farm steading and hopefully made something beautiful.

Cowstall barrier
6 June 2022

RIAS Award 2022

We’re delighted to have won an RIAS Award for 2022. One of only 8 national awards for architecture.

PROJECT PAGE

RIAS Announcement

And the BBC website information here:

 

RIAS award
2 June 2022

RIBAJ Burrell Review

RIBAJ Burrell Review 6 pages out this week

RIBA J magazine
12 May 2022

RIBA Journal Burrell Review

Kieran was commissioned to write an artcle for the RIBA Journal on the Burrell Collection re-opening in May 2022.

 

LINK to the article (paywall)

5 May 2022

Award Nominations

Our Walled Garden project, 7 new houses set in leafy Trinity, Edinburgh for boutique developer MacKenzie Residential, has been shortlisted for three awards at The Scottish Home Awards 2022:

1. Innovation in Design

2. Small Development

3. Renovation of the Year

We’re really proud that our fabric first approach to retention of the existing buildings has been recognised as an innovative and sustainable approach to the climate crisis.

11 April 2022

Eco House alterations

There are scales of eco-friendly housing – this one is on the extremely eco end. Collaborating with  www.alltenvironmental.com on this significant refurbishment, alteration and energy retrofit.

It is also a huge change aesthetically and we’re excited about both.

 

 

House elevation drawing
3 March 2022

RIAS RIBA Award Shortlisting

Really pleased that our Lockerbie Sawmill for James Jones and Sons has been recognised and shortlisted for an RIAS and RIBA Architecture Award 2022.

One of 14 Scottish projects by some great architects.

This project is very sustainable, built almost entirely in timber from the mill site, super insulated, with air source heating and sequestering at least 70tonnes of Carbon in the construction.

moe info on our project page

10 December 2021

Charteris Centre

The Charteris Centre, a social enterprise hub in a former church on The Pleasanace, is nearly finished.

These photographs, copyright Woolver,  graciously sent with some lovely feedback:

“I think it’s delicate and inspirational and apparently I can’t walk past it without taking a photo”.

(This to balance out less-nice comment on twitter.)

 

24 November 2021

Greyfriars Charteris

Cladding with pattern designed in collaboration with chalkplaster and signage going in at our Church conversion project in Edinburgh.

10 November 2021

Excroissance en combles

There is just something about the french langauge. A short video by french journalists on our Excroissance en combles (Outgrowth in attic according to google translate).

A Edimbourg, l’agrandissement d’une petite maison par les architectes Konishi et Gaffney occasionne une excroissance en toiture.

5 November 2021

EAA Awards 2021

Lockerbie Sawmill won the EAA Wood for Good Award 2021.

Lockerbie Sawmill office & visitor meeting rooms
26 October 2021

Greyfrairs Charteris Centre reveal

Nearing completion. Architecture in Edinburgh.

6 October 2021

EAA Award Shortlist 2021

Lockerbie Sawmill has been shortlisted for an EAA Ambassador Award.

EAA Awards 2021
21 September 2021

Wood Awards shortlist

We’ve been shortlisted for the national Wood Awards! Up against some lovely buildings that we’ve admired from afar.

Clockwise from top right: Konishi Gaffney – Lockerbie Sawmill; Haverstock Architects – Guildford Council building, Niall McLaughlin – Magdalene College, Cambridge; De Matos Ryan – Nun Monkton, North Yorkshire

https://www.woodawards2021.online/shortlists

 

16 August 2021

‘Artistic’ Cladding to an Artist’s Studio in Edinburgh

We’re making an usual, small artist’s studio at the moment, still in progress but being carefully & beautifully made by a local artisan.

16 July 2021

Architecture Grand Prix

We are really proud to have been recognised in the 2021 Scottish Design Awards. We won in the commercial category and were awarded the Grand Prix for Architecture. A very exciting achievement and a huge honour.

Working with James Jones & Sons on their visitor building was a brilliant opportunity to showcase their materials and explore the possibilities of timber construction. We’d like to thank them for their trust in us; our consultant team for their expertise and the builder for their hard work and patience.

images by @dapplephotography

Exterior and Interior Photography
5 July 2021

RIBA Journal Article

The RIBA Journal have published a lovely article on our Sawmill in Lockerbie.

Words by David Reat, Photography  by Dapple Photography

RIBA Journal article
RIBA Journal article 2
2 June 2021

Scottish Design Awards 2021

We’re pleased to have been shortlisted for the Scottish Design Awards 2021 for our office and visitor building for the UK’s largest sawmiller, James Jones & Sons, in Lockerbie.

More info here

View of building
9 March 2021

Walnut nosing detail

We are pleased to be working with craftsmen https://oldschoolfabrications.co.uk/ on a stair at Greyfriars Charteris Centre.
They’ve made up this sample stair detail for approval. And it’s a work of art.

Sample stair details
11 February 2021

Seven houses in Trinity

We’ve been working for 18 months on this refurbishment and new build at a former care home in the Trinity area of Edinburgh.

The project for local developer building 3 new houses and forming an additional 4 homes fitted within the existing buildings; trying to maintain as much of the existing fabric as possible. This environmentally friendly scheme has super insulated fabric, solar panels, EV charging, sustainable drainage and integrated landscape design. It received planning permission last year, the warrant this week and is due to start on site next month.

Image by 3D Cad Visuals
Landscape Architecture: Emily Peel Yates
Structural Engineer: Gordon Eadie
M&E Engineer: Harley Haddow
Civil Engineering & Drainage: Etive

2 February 2021

Planning submitted for Covid Conversion.

Planning submitted for conversion of old garage to Covid Secure meeting room. Proposed elevation with simple timber cladding,full & half cut siberian larch cladding, pitched & zinc clad roof and externally insulated new office meeting room.

Covid Secure meeting room
30 January 2021

Planning Granted

Planning granted for this house extension in Edinburgh. Steeply sloping site so lots of steps down internally to better connect the house to the garden.

Planning Granted
3 December 2020

Construction progress in Lockerbie

Work is nearing completion at our office and training centre for James Jones & Sons, the UK’s largest swawmillers, in Lockerbie.

Construction progress
29 July 2020

Extension snagging

We’ve been on site looking at snagging work done to this extension to a Listed Building in The Grange, long delayed by C19 among other things.

21 July 2020

Construction, office extension

Lockerbie: scaffolding coming down this week to reveal our timber cladding with details for vents and black / natural Scottish Larch cladding milled in house by James Jones.

19 June 2020

SiOO:X finish to timber cladding

We are often asked about cladding finishes and protecting the wood. It is almost impossible to maintain the “orange” tone of wood externally as the sun bleaches the colour from wood (and almost every other material). In cities it is often difficult to prevent a dark grey staining caused by pollution. We have moved to recommending the SiOO:X finish to timber cladding – the image here showing the change that occurs between 1 month and 12 months.

The effect is best decribed as a form of bleaching, a natural whitewash, which protects the wood.

more technical info here
supplied by Russwood .

12 June 2020

Black Lives Matter

We’ve been searching for ways of adding our voice of support to the Black Lives Matter movement.

We have settled on this picture by Gordon Parks.

Gordon Parks was a black photographer who documented, among other things, the race protest movements in 50’s and 60’s in the US. Looking at these photos 60 years later reminds us of how little has changed. We support systemic change in the US, the UK and around the world.


Untitled, Harlem, New York, 1963
© The Gordon Parks Foundation.

Photo by Gordon Parks from 1963
22 May 2020

Covid-19 affected project has glass installed, 8 weeks late

Our clients in Portobello for this extension have finalled had their glass installed. They were caught at Coronavirus shutdown (with the glass due for delivery on the 25th March) and have had to be very patient.

They are however delighted and sent us this message:

“The photos don’t do it justice, I have to say it’s a thing of beauty, I absolutely love it. I quite can’t believe the difference the glass has made…

Thank you to you for designing such a beautiful room, I feel like I’m walking into a magazine every time I go down the stairs”

Obviously still work to do to complete the construction which we’re managing with the builder over the next few weeks.

9 April 2020

Planning for Cafe at Silecroft Beach

Our cafe and visitor centre on Silecroft beach in Cumbria has been submitted for planning.

local newspaper report:

17 March 2020

Covid-19 Statement

Konishi Gaffney have suspended work from their office for the time being.

We are working from home and can be contacted by e-mail as normal. Calls should be directed to Kieran in the first instance on 07817 102 319.

We remain committed to our clients; their projects and timelines so please be assured that we are working on through this crisis.

12 February 2020

Site progress at Lockerbie Timber Mill Office Extension

James Jones office extension, construction progress Feb 2020

James Jones office extension, construction progress Feb 2020
31 January 2020

Silecroft beach cafe competition win

Konishi Gaffney have won a national architectural competition for a new café on the beach at Silecroft in Cumbria and will be appointed to deliver the £380,000 building by spring 2021. The competition attracted 59 design team entrants from across the UK.

Silecroft beach is situated in the southwest corner of the Lake District National Park, is overlooked by Black Combe Fell to the north and gives spectacular views across the Irish Sea towards the Isle of Man.

Our design developed with two sheltered, canted courtyards, one facing Black Combe Fell and the other, the sea views which are are maximised through the splayed forms. The building will provide shelter from the blowing wind regardless of direction. We took pitched, slate roof vernacular of the Lake District and adapted this to make a modest addition to the beach context.

27 January 2020

Team photo

As part of the #strongconstitution community hashtag for Constitution Street in Leith we had our photos taken by photographer Paul MaGuire @paulmaguireartist.

  • RtoL Naomi, Kieran, Katherine, Adam

    • 23 January 2020

    RIAS Chartered Architects

    Konishi Gaffney Architects are an RIAS Chartered Practice

    6 January 2020

    Shortlisted for Silecroft Beach Cafe competition

    We have been shortlisted down to the last 3 for the Silecroft Beach Cafe competition in Cumbria, winner to be announced this week.

    14 December 2019

    Planning granted for innovative cladding

    We received planning permission in The Grange, Edinburgh for this new “studio” room with timber cladding elevation over an existing garage.

    21 November 2019

    Work starts on site at Greyfriars Charteris Centre

    Our largest project to date has started on site this week. Today is #SocialEnterpriseDay and contractors SJS have been appointed and started on Monday, getting set up and preparing work areas.

    7 November 2019

    RSA Architecture room

    Our Greyfriars design on display at the RSA open exhibition 2-9th November.

    6 November 2019

    EAA Talk

    Kieran gave a talk on the practice’s EAA award winning house extension at ESALA, the venue was this amazing former courtyard in the Art School.

    29 October 2019

    Schwarzbrotreihe, Stuttgart

    We’ve been invited to talk about our work as part of Schwarzbrotreihe, at the Univeristy of Stuttgart tomorrow (30.10.2019).

    Schwarzbrot translates as “daily bread” and the series (reihe) asks for architects to talk about one project; from concept to completion to “give an insight into the daily activities (the schwarzbrot) of an architect”.

    17 September 2019

    Greyfriars Charteris Centre

    Our church conversion and extension on The Pleasance, won in competition in 2017, is due to start on site in the next week or so (just waiting for final building warrant sign off).

    5 August 2019

    RIBA Journal review

    Kieran was asked to write a review of the new Hill House Box in Helensborough.

    Full article on RIBA Journal website.

    22 July 2019

    Brick extension in Colinton, Edinburgh nearing completion

    This is an extension and house alteration using hand made Dutch bricks. In-progress site photo.

    site progress of brick extension
    21 June 2019

    The Times, Bricks & Mortar cover

    Our cottage near Crinan is on the front cover of the Times Bricks & Mortar section.
    The article is about Statement Cottages by Gabriella Bennett @palebackwriter

    Bricks and Mortar article
    7 June 2019

    Murrayfield terrace house extension

    Photos back today from the brilliant Nanne Springer

    5 June 2019

    Foundations prepared at Lockerbie

    We’re working for a large UK sawmiller in Lockerbie; building a new office and reception building on their main timber processing site. Work started in May and our first site visit was today.

    Architect Edinburgh
    Architect Edinburgh
    3 June 2019

    Constitution Street office

    Our office at 88 Constitution Street, Edinburgh.

    23 May 2019

    Tigh Na Geat

    This house extension and remodelling is to a house called Tigh Na Geat which means “House under the Hill” in Gaelic. This construction photo shows why it’s called that.

    23 May 2019

    2019 EAA Awards Winner

    We are really proud to have won the 2019 EAA Award for small projects at a ceremony at St Celia’s Hall last night. Some excellent other projects in contention for this architectural award so we are all pleased to have won.

    Many thanks to our wonderful clients Ken & Gemma Gray.
    Builders: Watson & Lyall Ltd
    Engineer: WMA
    photographer: Nanne Springer

    9 May 2019

    Planning permission granted

    We received planning permission for a radical rethink of a terraced house in Portobello – dropping the existing garden room down by 1.2m to get better access to the garden.

    Architect Edinburgh
    Architects Edinburgh

    17 April 2019

    Awards Shortlist

    We’re pleased to have had two projects shortlisted for the EAA Small Projects architectural award. (Our favourite award).
    Blackford Road
    Jessfield Terrace

    More info on the EAA Awards here: www.eaa.org.uk

    27 March 2019

    Delicacy and restraint guide this Edinburgh practice

    The RIBA Journal picked us as one of 6 architects outside London to write about as “future winners”.
    The article is really well written and insightful, available in full here (though possibly behind paywall): https://www.ribaj.com/

    21 February 2019

    12 Jessfield Terrace drawings

    Drawings of our extension at 12 Jessfield Terrace, submitted for an RIAS architecture award,

    15 February 2019

    12 years to limit climate change catastrophe

    The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reported in 2018 that the world has until 2030 to act to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees C. We all need to change and to press our governments to do so too. Architects have an added responsibility as emissions from buildings accounts for 37% of total UK greenhouse gas. We continue to advocate for maximum insulation, for sustainable energy products (we’re particularly in favour of ground source heat pumps combined with solar photo voltaics) and we no longer support the installation of wood burning stoves.

    Individually Makiko and Kieran have stopped eating meat, drinking milk and now drive a plug-in hybrid electric car.

    7 February 2019

    Slating started at our Mayfield house

    Slating starts at our house on East Mayfield in Edinburgh.

    31 January 2019

    Planning Appeal Granted (another one)

    One of our projects for a listed building in the Grange was refused listed building consent (but did receive planning permission) in 2018 in a decision many found incomprehensible. The client appealed and this week won that appeal with the reporter’s comments feeling like vindication for our design approach:

    “Whilst the proposal is clearly a modern intervention, I consider that the appellant’s architects have sought to ensure to that it does not jar with the listed building whilst avoiding pastiche design solutions. The eaves height of the proposed extension lines up with the eaves of the conservatory and the roof on the east side of the conservatory and I consider that this provides a balance to the south elevation when viewed from the garden area. The use of stained charcoal cedar cladding ties in with the dark stained sandstone which is a feature of the building and, similarly, with the existing dark timber eaves and finials. I therefore consider that the proposals provide a positive relationship with other
    parts of the building.”

    31 January 2019

    Building Review for RIBA Journal

    Kieran (with editing help from Adam) was commissioned by the RIBA Journal to write a review of the Bayes Centre at Edinburgh University by architects Bennetts Associates. Published today HERE

    “The phase 1 Infomatics building is cellular with rooms off corridors; in the new building these dissolve into wider circulation that in turn washes out into the atrium and open plan work spaces.”

    Image copyright Keith Hunter

    18 January 2019

    Drawings of our Blackford Road project

    Axonometric of our Blackford Road extension added to the project pages.

    3 December 2018

    Work with photographer Nanne Springer

    We’ve been working with Nanne Springer, a fantastic photographer from Germany but living in Canada, on several projects and are delighted with the results. One project at Blackford Road in The Grange and the other at Jessfield Terrace in sunny Leith.

    30 November 2018

    Planning Appeal Granted

    A decision by Edinburgh City Council planning department to refuse planning for a listed building in the Grange, Edinburgh has been appealed and we won! The decision was reviewed by the council’s own in-house team who have found in our favour and granted planning permission, the Scottish planning inspectorate reviewed the Listed Building Consent application and we won that too. Shouldn’t have been a contentious proposal in the first place!

    We have 100% success rate in appeals, 3 for 3.

    31 October 2018

    The Times: advice on insulating listed properties

    Kieran contributed to the The Times, Bricks & Mortar article on insulating your listed building.

    LINK

    19 October 2018

    Pollokshaws Road

    Steam bent oak extension…

    2 October 2018

    Site model Holmehill, Dunblane

    We’ve been working on a site in Dunblane called Holmehill thinking about the landscape and scope for garden and buildings.

    Contoured plywood site model at 1:300 made by twadugs modelmakers

    14 September 2018

    RIBA Chartered Practice

    Konishi Gaffney are an RIBA Chartered Practice.

    RIBA Chartered Practice Edinburgh
    5 September 2018

    Blackford extension nearing completion

    This small timber and zinc clad extension in the Grange area of Edinburgh is nearing completion: clients move in at the weekend.

    8 August 2018

    Model drawing 1:350

    We’ve been working on a village site looking at the development of a garden… more to follow.

    This drawing a layout for model at 1 to 350.

    26 June 2018

    Architecture 18

    Homes & Interiors have produced a magazine with some of our projects included.

    14 June 2018

    New House planning granted

    We’ve had planning granted for a new build house in a rear garden in the Colinton Area of Edinburgh.

    2 May 2018

    Greyfriars Charteris Centre

    Planning application submitted today for Greyfriars Charteris Centre on The Pleasance in Edinburgh.

    This project named after The Very Reverend Professor Archibald H Charteris:

    “It is they who dream bright dreams that in the end deliver. Do not be afraid or ashamed to announce splendid hopes. It is enthusiasts the world needs and I pray you to be enthusiastic!”

    28 April 2018

    Site progress in mid Argyll

    Good progress on our extension & refurbishment to this C-Listed cottage near Crinan.

    Construction progress at Crinan
    25 April 2018

    Greyfriars Charteris Centre Model

    Model in progress looking at new elements in alteration to church on The Pleasanace in Edinburgh.

    23 April 2018

    Portobello design charette

    Konishi Gaffney were invited to lead a team of designers and landscape specialists looking at alternative designs for Westbank Street in Portobello. Our proposals were for a mix of residential, office, arts spaces and leisure facilities. The local community are advocating for a mixed use on site rather than a commercial housing solution. The results were produced over one weekend in March 2018.

    15 March 2018

    Planning Application for new house

    We have just submitted this planning application for a new, fully accessible house in the Colinton area of Edinburgh.

    22 February 2018

    Site progress in Murrayfield & Leith

    Two project site visits this week, one 30% complete the other 90% with the high tech super thin framed doors installed.

    30 January 2018

    New project complete

    Photographs by our very own Ivan Fraile Gisbert of a recently completed project on a steep hill in West Edinburgh.

    17 January 2018

    Welcome to Dana and Helena

    Two new members of staff, Dana and Helena start work making two laser cut models to develop the design for two projects in Edinburgh.

    model making
    15 January 2018

    2018

    Happy New Year to all our clients and supporters!

    2 December 2017

    Competition win to revamp former Edinburgh church

    Konishi Gaffney Architects has won an invited competition to rework a former church in Edinburgh – the current home of the Greyfriars Charteris Centre. We saw off a strong shortlist to win the job which includes a new build three storey link building and major alterations to the existing church.

    27 November 2017

    Dundee Institute of Architects Commendation

    We were pleased to have been commended in the DIA awards 2017 for our project for studio / office spaces at Comielaw steading.

    24 November 2017

    Crinan cottage

    Construction work has begun on a cottage near Crinan in Mid Argyll. We’re demolishing an existing conservatory, shown here, and forming a new extension behind with exposed trusses and a metal sinusoidal roof.

    9 November 2017

    Homes & Interiors Scotland

    November | December issue

    Beauty and the East!  Words by Caroline Ednie. Photography by David Barbour

    26 October 2017

    RIBA Journal

    Kieran wrote a review article for the RIBA Journal on a new house by Ann Nisbet in Ayrshire.

    link to RIBAJournal

     

     

    13 October 2017

    Home, Housing Scotland 2000-2020

    Third book in three weeks, this time the expensively assembled Home, Housing Scotland 2000-2020.

    It is interesting as an overview of award winning houses in Scotland in the 21st Century.

    We have two projects included.

    29 September 2017

    Bowhouse, Fife

    Bowhouse in Fife is open for business.

    Our steading / farm sheds conversaion is partially open with food producers taking space and a monthly farmers market installed in-situ. Last weekend saw a number of local suppliers selling food from coffee to honey and steaks to beer. Yum.

    Phase 2 is underway and our major architectural intervention in detail design.

    28 September 2017

    The Modern Timber House

    We’re pleased to be included in a new book on Contemporary Timber Architecture in the UK by Peter Wilson and Wood for Good.

    Architect Scotland

    22 September 2017

    Ravelston Dykes Lane #DOD2017 handout

    Our hand out information sheet for the Edinburgh Doors Open day 2017, this house which won teh EAA 2017 small projects award is featured.  http://www.cockburnassociation.org.uk/edinburgh-doors-open-day/

    22 September 2017

    Edinburgh Doors Open Day 2017

    Our wonderful clients at 2 Ravelston Dykes Lane are opening up their house for doors open day 2017, this weekend. The house is open on Sunday 24th September from 10am – 4pm.

    We’ll be there too showing people around.

    21 August 2017

    Beautiful House Magazine

    Published in House Beautiful, September 2017

    9 August 2017

    RIAS 100 Best Houses in Scotland book

    We’re pleased to have had two houses selected by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland for a new book on the best architect houses in Scotland since 2000.

    Ravelston Dykes Lane photography
    31 July 2017

    Japan research trip

    Kieran and Makiko spent 3 and 4 weeks respectively in Japan this summer, there for a family gathering and followed up with trips to see buildings. Kieran stayed in a Buddhist temple in Koyasan as well as re-visiting Naoshima to see Tadao Ando’s work and new buildings by Satoichi Sambuichi.

    29 June 2017

    House extension in the garden

    This unusual extension in the garden of a large Georgian House in The Grange was approved for planning. Housing a kitchen / living / dining and study.

    29 June 2017

    Planning Permission Approved

    Planning permission was granted today for this extension and internal alterations to a small Victorian terraced cottage in Edinburgh.

    21 June 2017

    Saltire commendation

    Our project at Ravelston Dykes Lane won a commendation from the Saltire Society’s Housing Design Awards.

    19 June 2017

    Steam Bent Timber Cladding

    We’ve taken on the role of steam bent timber cladding sub-contractor as we could ony find a couple of furniture / boat making companies prepared to take on the role and they were naturally quite expensive for such a specialist task. We researched the process, built our own steam box and jig and spent 6 days on site bending and cladding this little side extension.

    We believe that architects who are hands-on in the process of construction are better designers for it so this suited us and we enjoyed getting a tan in sunny Glasgow.

    This is classed as technical research.

     

    1 June 2017

    “On Office Magazine” June 2017

    Our Comielaw project is published in the June 2017 edition of On Office magazine.

    2 May 2017

    A visit from the Scottish First Minister

    The Scottish First Minister visited our office today. I talked to her about our 3 main concerns:

    1. Building Control in Scotland: 3-4 month delay on every project, stiffles innovation, beaurocratic. Should be privatised out of local council’s hands as is done in the English building control system.

    2. Procurement – impossible for small practices like ours to get public work.

    3. VAT is payable at 20% on alterations and 0% on new builds: unfair & encourages unsustainable development.

    The Scottish First Minister
    19 April 2017

    2017 Edinburgh Architecture Association award

    Konishi Gaffney won the 2017 Edinburgh Architecture Association award for best building under £500,000 and were shortlisted in a further two categories.
    Link to the award winners announcement.

    2017 Edinburgh Architecture Association awardrs-announced/
    13 March 2017

    EAA shortlists

    We are delighted to have been shortlisted for 3 projects in 3 different categories by the EAA in the Small Projects, Wood Award and Ambassador categories.
    Link to the 2017 awards shortlist.

    EAA shortlists
    18 January 2017

    Talk at University of Dundee

    Kieran is talking at the University of Dundee on Thursday 19th January.

    Poster
    12 January 2017

    RIBAJ McEwen Award 2017 shortlist

    We’ve been shortlisted for RIBAJ McEwen Award 2017, which recognises ‘Architecture for the Common Good’. Proud to be on a strong shortlist for an award close to our heart.
    Link to RIBAJ magazine.
    Link to Comielaw article.

    RIBAJ McEwen Award 2017 shortlist
    19 November 2016

    Princes Square

    Article in “The Times” today asked for my opinion on a public vote which saw Princes Square in Glasgow voted the best Scottish building in the last 100 years.

    Princes Square
    10 November 2016

    Creative Edinburgh “City Award”

    We have been shortlisted for a Creative Edinburgh “City Award” looking for an “outstanding creative contribution” to the city of Edinburgh. Up against “Jupiter Artland” and “local Heroes” in this “Oscars of the creative industry”. Winner announced at awards ceremony this evening.

    Creative Edinburgh “City Award”
    1 November 2016

    Argyle Crescent

    Photoshoot for extension in Argyle Crescent.

    Argyle Crescent
    21 September 2016

    Shopfront

    Barbara Elliot, who was passing, took this photo of our shopfront (*thanks).
    Makiko folded these forms from scrap A3 drawings.

    shopfront
    1 September 2016

    Comielaw Steading conversion

    Planner visit to review Comielaw Steading conversion in Fife: 12 new business units in Grade B listed steading with black timber clad replacement shed.

    Comielaw Steading conversion
    Comielaw Steading conversion
    Comielaw Steading conversion
    22 August 2016

    Desk space available to rent

    Desk space available to rent. In large west facing studio, part of our office. Wall of windows (albeit overshadowed), timber stained floors and white painted walls. Flexible on use but would suit creative types… Shared used of kitchen / toilets etc. Wifi, heating & electricity and rates etc. all included in rent.

    Desk space available sign
    Desk space
    Shop front
    19 August 2016

    Scottish Field Magazine Edinburgh

    Article in Scottish Field Magazine Edinburgh on our Japanese House.

    Scottish Field Magazine Edinburgh
    Scottish Field Magazine Edinburgh
    20 June 2016

    Festival of Architecture 2016 opening

    Our Edinburgh Pop-Up Pavilion, part of the Cities Expo and the Festival of Architecture 2016 opened last night on the Mound. Otherworldy photograph of Makiko and Kieran inside by Malcolm Cochrane.

    Edinburgh Pop-Up Pavilion
    1 June 2016

    Pavilion progress

    More progress on fabrication of the Edinburgh Pop-Up Pavilion.

    More progress
    13 May 2016

    Edinburgh Pop-Up Pavilion progress

    Progress on fabrication of the Edinburgh Pop-Up Pavilion.

    Edinburgh Pop-Up Pavilion progress
    13 May 2016

    Edinburgh Pavilion

    We are deighted to report that we won the competition to design the Edinburgh Pavilion for the Pop Up Cities Expo being held in Edinburgh over the summer this year. Part of the 2016 Festival of Architecture programme. More information here.

    Edinburgh Pavilion
    29 April 2016

    Article by Robert Urquhart

    Very well written article by Archinect journalist Robert Urquhart.
    Link to the full article with pictures.

    Article by Robert Urquhart
    20 April 2016

    Blue skies

    Amazingly blue skies as this Edinburgh house nears completion.

    Blue skies
    11 April 2016

    Vegan Life magazine

    KGA in Vegan Life magazine. Thought only architects used words like haptic.

    Vegan Life magazine
    Vegan Life magazine
    22 March 2016

    Progress

    On site nearing completion.

    Progress
    10 March 2016

    Baba Budan update

    Sculpture installed at coffee shop fit out.

    Baba Budan
    5 February 2016

    KGA shortlist

    KGA shortlisted for the prestigious Architect’s Journal small projects award.
    Link to AJ article (paywall).

    KGA shortlist
    KGA shortlist
    KGA shortlist
    1 February 2016

    Baba Budan

    Sculpture in progress as part of a coffee shop fitout, Edinburgh.

    Baba Budan
    25 January 2016

    Tall extension

    We have gone out to tender on this tall extension. Sketch by work experience student Haruka Kitamura.

    Tall extension
    25 January 2016

    EAA small projects award 2016

    Submisison for EAA small projects award 2016.

    eaa awards 2016
    19 January 2016

    Ravelston progress

    Progress on new house at Ravelston in Edinburgh. Eco credentials include ground source heat pump, 200mm external insulation and integrated solar panels.

    Ravelston progress
    11 January 2016

    RIBA housing competition

    We’ve been shortlisted for an RIBA housing competition in Brighton – six family houses in a complex backland site.

    Link to RIBA competition site.
    Link to Architect’s Journal press review.

    RIBA housing competition
    2 December 2015

    Maquette

    Maquette at 1:4 for coffee shop interior and furniture made by Johannes Sailer.

    Maquette
    23 November 2015

    Site visit

    Site visit to rural fife, lovely pink wheelbarrows.

    Site visit
    18 November 2015

    Planning permission

    We just received planning permission for this house in Wandsworth.

    Planning permission
    5 November 2015

    New office

    Our new office is taking shape – should be complete next week. If anyone is looking for desk space we have some available.

    New office
    22 October 2015

    Ravelston progress

    Work is progressing on our new house in Ravelston, Edinburgh. The roof has a scissor truss and whitewashed ceiling; the windows a super horizontal proportion.

    Ravelston progress
    21 August 2015

    Wood stain

    Example of wood stain before and after and the lovely joinery in a Grade A listed house in Edinburgh’s New Town.

    Wood stain
    17 June 2015

    RIAS award

    Konishi Gaffney won a prestigious RIAS award for our Regent Street Dormer.

    RIAS award
    13 May 2015

    House in Ravelston

    Work starts on our house in the Ravelston area of Edinburgh. The idea was to connect front and rear gardens with a Japanese sense of space.

    House in Ravelston
    2 April 2015

    ArchDaily

    We’ve been published on ArchDaily, one our favourite architecture sites.

    ArchDaily
    2 April 2015

    Open roof

    Open roof design for a house extension near our office in Leith.

    Open roof
    30 March 2015

    RIAS/RIBA architecture award shortlist

    Konishi Gaffney have been shortlisted for an RIAS/RIBA architecture award 2015. Available on the AJ website [paywall].

    News also published on Dezeen.

     

    RIAS/RIBA architecture award shortlist
    RIAS/RIBA architecture award shortlist
    27 March 2015

    Extension in Portobello

    Almost finished on this little extension in Portobello.

    Extension in Portobello
    23 March 2015

    Zinc roof

    Work in progress on zinc roof in Edinburgh with specialist rooflight (the white covering sheets will come off soon).

    Zinc roof
    13 March 2015

    Work in progress

    Work in progress on extension in The Grange, Edinburgh.

    Work in progress
    27 February 2015

    Scottish Borders

    New house and steading conversion site in the Scottish Borders.

    Scottish Borders
    Scottish Borders
    11 February 2015

    Roof structure

    Roof structure (which will be exposed) in the morning light.

    Roof structure
    5 February 2015

    Peebles

    We’re radically altering a 1970’s house in Peebles in the Scottish Borders. Self-builder installed the windows yesterday. Starting in spring we’re insulating and over cladding in larch.

    Peebles
    5 January 2015

    RSA Open Exhibition

    Our model in the RSA Open Exhibition which runs until 20th January 2015.

    RSA Open Exhibition
    19 November 2014

    3 favourite specifications

    The venerable RIBA Journal asked us to share our 3 favourite specifications.

    Favourite specifications
    31 October 2014

    External insulation

    External insulation to an old Victorian cottage. Planning to do more of this: an easy and efficient way to insulate existing buildings. Here we have a further counter batten and more insulation to go on top.

    insulation
    30 October 2014

    Picture window

    Extension with a big picture window starts to take shape.

    picture window
    23 October 2014

    Construction

    I tend to like buildings in construction as much as when finished. Here green pressure treated battens and light from the roof.

    green pressure treated battens
    12 September 2014

    Skylight

    We currently have 4 projects in various stages of construction. This one in the Grange area of Edinburgh topping out next week with a huge skylight.

    skylight
    11 September 2014

    Sandblasted timber

    We are sandblasting larch cladding to raise the grain on a small house extension in Edinburgh, then washing the cladding black. It’s very exciting.

    Sandblasted timber
    4 July 2014

    Detail

    German architecture magazine Detail, publishes our Dormer project over 4 pages. That is definitely a career goal achieved!

    Detail
    Detail
    29 May 2014

    Grand Designs

    Grand Designs
    Grand Designs
    25 April 2014

    Galashields

    We’ve been very busy recently working on some exciting projects. This one a house in Galashields in the Scottish Borders on a very steep site.

    Galashields
    13 April 2014

    Sunday Times Home Magazine

    We had some good press recently. The Sunday Times found us to be in the top 10 “architect provocateurs” in the UK. Especially good as 8 of the 10 were London based and we were the only practice from Scotland.

    HOME MAGAZINE
    PRESS SUNDAY TIMES HOME MAGAZINE
    PRESS SUNDAY TIMES HOME MAGAZINE
    PRESS SUNDAY TIMES HOME MAGAZINE
    5 March 2014

    EAA small projects award shortlist

    We’ve been shortlisted for an EAA small projects award for this garden office & house alteration in Portobello in Edinburgh. We are currently working as Architects in Fife.

    EAA small projects award
    EAA small projects award
    25 February 2014

    Dezeen

    Our dormer in Regent Street is published on Dezeen.

    Dezeen
    14 February 2014

    AJ small projects award shortlist

    We’ve been shortlisted for the prestigious AJ small projects award [and on valentines day, can’t you feel the love?].

    AJ small projects award
    12 February 2014

    New offices

    Konishi Gaffney are moving to our own new and bigger offices [17th Century former thatched cottage].

    132 Constitution Street, Edinburgh, EH6 6AJ.
    All other contact details remaining the same.

    New offices
    5 February 2014

    Maquette

    Makiko’s maquette for folding furniture at 1:15.

    maquette
    28 January 2014

    EAA small projects award submissions

    Rosefield and Regent St Dormer projects submitted for the EAA small projects award.

    EAA small projects award submissions
    17 January 2014

    Regent Street dormer

    Our Regent Street dormer in the Architect’s Journal Building Library. Link (but may require a login).

    Regent Street dormer
    17 January 2014

    Village Hall, Heriot

    We are very pleased to have been invited along with 5 other (bigger and longer established) pratices to submit design ideas in a design competition for the reburbishment and extension of the Village Hall in Heriot, Scottish Borders.

    Village Hall, Heriot
    9 January 2014

    Euan Gray

    Welcome to our new employee, Euan Gray, a brilliant young architect aiming to get his part III with us. Euan’s career has been varied & hands on including this yoga studio (pictured above) which he designed and self built as owner of the wildhutte design company.

    Euan’s experience and personal research into hutting ties in with our interests and I hope Euan will push on our research in that field.

    Euan’s pechakucha about hutting in February 2012.

    Konishi Gaffney are Award Winning Edinburgh Architects also working in The Scottish Borders, Fife & East Lothian.

    Euan Gray
    9 December 2013

    Warming Hut project video

    Video of Kieran talking at the RSA about our Warming Hut project [start at 3:53] .

    Warming Hut project
    23 November 2013

    Site visit

    Site visit to Galasheils this weekend; exciting site with huge slope.

    Site visit
    17 November 2013

    Strawberry string

    “Strawberry string” maqutte for warming huts finished and delivered to the RSA. Our 2nd submission, Above Scotland exhibition table, also included.

    Strawberry string
    7 November 2013

    St Andrews

    Last site visit to listed building alteration project for which we were the architect; St Andrews in the Kingdom of Fife.

    St Andrews
    1 November 2013

    Planning approval

    We achieved planning approval this week for this little barrel-vaulted extension.

    barrel-vaulted extension
    24 October 2013

    Talk at 57°10

    Kieran is giving a talk at 57°10 the student run architecture lecture series at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Thursday 24th at 5pm.

    talk at 57°10
    15 October 2013

    Design model

    Working on design model for extension to listed building in Edinburgh.

    design model
    18 September 2013

    Toddlers Hut

    Toddlers Hut project featured in News Section of Dutch Architecture Magazine A10. Sept/Oct 2013.

    A10
    13 September 2013

    Friday 13th

    Friday 13th wasn’t inauspicious for us as our cantilever steel balcony & stair clicked into place like a dream. Site install in St Andrews, Kingdom of Fife led by Johannes Sailer included Kieran + client!

    Friday 13th
    4 July 2013

    Christian Kerez

    Busy month: trip to Tokyo including visiting this Exhibition of work by Christian Kerez. A repeat of his Venice Biennale exhibition of 2012.

    Christian Kerez
    24 June 2013

    House alterations

    House alterations with home office in garden, Portobello, Edinburgh.

    House alterations
    2 June 2013

    Grand Designs

    Published in Grand Designs magazine.

    Grand Designs magazine
    31 May 2013

    Architecture competition shortlist

    We’ve been shortlisted for an art/architecture competition. Site & brief not public yet but looking forward to ongoing collaboration with johannessailer.com.

    architecture competition
    27 May 2013

    Cinematic view

    Zinc clad dormer extension nearing completion.
    Picture window looks like cinema.

    Cinematic view
    Cinematic view
    24 May 2013

    Royal Scottish Academy summer show

    Royal Scottish Academy summer show opens tonight on the Mound in Edinburgh. Our three plaster maquettes in situ as of yesterday.

    Royal Scottish Academy
    17 May 2013

    Danish brick

    Pre-application planning submission for a potentially contentious, long, low extension clad in that lovely Danish brick we’ve been trying to use for ages… drawing by Rebecca.

    Danish brick
    11 May 2013

    Royal Scottish Academy show

    Our submission for the Royal Scottish Academy show 25th May – 2nd July 2013.

    Royal Scottish Academy show
    28 April 2013

    Kingdom of Fife

    Site visit yesterday looking at a farm steading in the Kingdom of Fife with some lovely old buildings. We are architect leading the design team.

    Kingdom of Fife
    18 April 2013

    Book of work

    We just got back from the printers our first little book of work.

    Book of work
    7 March 2013

    Regent St. dormer

    Started on site on an unusual long thin dormer in Portobello. Today we saw view from the top for the first time (imagine a lovely summer’s evening).

    Regent st dormer
    Regent St. dormer
    6 March 2013

    Toddlers Hut panning approval

    Building design magazine publish news of our Toddlers Hut panning approval.

    Toddlers Hut panning approval
    28 February 2013

    Top 10 UK Architects! [who tweet]

    Konishi Gaffney = top 10 UK Architects! [who tweet].

    In Building Design Magazine (link behind paywall).

    top 10 UK Architects! [who tweet]
    13 February 2013

    Unhappy Hipsters

    Our house (and family) included in Unhappy Hipsters website: a dry critique of contemporary lifestyle photography and design (which we love!).

    Previous inclusion August 2011

    Unhappy Hipsters
    29 January 2013

    Award submission

    Edinburgh Architcture Association Awards submission today.

    Award submission
    23 January 2013

    Scottish independence

    The Architects Journal invited us to write a short piece on likely impact of independence on Scottish Architects.

    And in same edition of the magazine comment on potential closing of Strathclyde University Architecture building.

    Scottish independence
    Scottish independence
    16 January 2013

    Top Architects

    Konishi Gaffney included in list of “Top Architects” in Scotland for 2013. We were pleased & surprised to be named in 11th place making us the top small practice in Edinburgh and the youngest practice in the top 20. Full article here.

    Top Architects
    2 January 2013

    Tokyo

    2011 natural play in Tokyo.

    Tokyo
    21 December 2012

    Work in progress

    Glass goes in and last minute work on tiling and exterior rendering.

    Work in progress
    16 December 2012

    Architecture Scotland Annual

    Our Trinity House project published in the Architecture Scotland Annual.

    Our Trinity House project published in the Architecture Scotland Annual.
    13 December 2012

    Christmas cards

    Our Christmas cards went this week. Lots of research and testing by Makiko. We are using these folding techniques to design a garden office and a chicken coop.

    Christmas cards
    Christmas cards
    12 December 2012

    Work in progress

    Construction progresses at B-listed house in Portobello.

    Construction progress
    6 December 2012

    Model tests

    Model tests for Papa Westry Bonfire architecture competition.

    Model tests
    30 November 2012

    Member of the week

    Konishi Gaffney member of the week at Creative Edinburgh.

    Member of the week
    23 November 2012

    The Toddlers Hut model

    The Toddlers Hut model at the Royal Scottish Academy of Arts & Architecture. We had two works selected for the RSA open exhibition which runs from Nov 24th – Dec 16th,  RSA on the Mound, Edinburgh. Photos by Eileen Hall.

    The Toddlers Hut model
    15 November 2012

    The Toddlers Hut update

    The Toddlers Hut not-for-profit playgroup on the beach in Portobello goes in for planning.

    The Toddlers Hut
    6 November 2012

    Edinburgh University Students Architecture Society talk

    Makiko and Kieran have been invited by Edinburgh University Students Architecture Society to talk at Edinburgh University. Friday 9th November at 6:30pm.

    Edinburgh University Students Architecture Society
    25 October 2012

    Above Scotland images

    First images of the exhibition “Above Scotland” we designed at the Lighthouse in Glasgow for RCHAMS and A+DS.

    Images by Eileen Hall.

    Above Scotland installation
    Above Scotland installation
    Above Scotland private view
    Above Scotland installation
    24 October 2012

    Above Scotland private view

    Private view tomorrow for the Above Scotland Exhibition at the Lighthouse in Glasgow.

    Above Scotland installation
    22 October 2012

    Day one: installation:

    We designed and fabricated 25 bespoke steel tables, each with a magnifying lens lamp, for an exhibition at the Lighthouse in Glasgow.

    Day one: installation
    19 October 2012

    Above Scotland

    Above Scotland, exhibition at the Lighthouse in Glasgow, invitation.

    Above Scotland
    21 September 2012

    Portobello High School community consultation

    Participated in Portobello High School community consultation. Thoroughly unsatisfactory meeting. However… We were table #3. Our conclusions drawn on page above (click to enlarge) but just to summarise:

    1. Investigate if Portobello Park is Common Good Land (probably not seems to be consensus).
    2. If it is enact a Private Act of Parliament to allow building here (as at National Galleries in Princess St Gardens.
    3. Appeal to supreme court.

    1A. IN PARALLEL with the above Council should start feasibility into option 2 site.

    NB our table also concluded following:

    • No to community referendum as that would “polarise opinion” and distract from the issue.
    • No to existing school site – too small and de-cant not plausible.
    • No to any site outwith the catchment area of the school.
    • Walking to school is the best option!

    Portobello High School community consultation
    14 September 2012

    Origami flyer

    Origami flyer of our recently finished Trinity Project.

    Origami flyer
    12 September 2012

    Edinburgh Napier University talk

    Makiko is talking at Edinburgh Napier University today about her background and route into design.

    Edinburgh Napier University talk
    23 August 2012

    Pecha Kucha

    Makiko and Kieran are talking about their competition winning scheme for Killcreggan.

    Pecha Kucha
    17 August 2012

    Steel table

    Made by artist & steel fabricator Johannes Sailer our steel table for an exhibition in October.

    steel table
    20 July 2012

    V&A Dundee talk

    Talk by Kieran at the V&A Dundee in May 2012, introduction by Philip Long.

    Video by Phil Richardson, University of Dundee. Thanks to the V&A Dundee.

    25 June 2012

    Architecture and Interior

    Kieran presented some of the practice’s work in Brighton.

    Image copyright and thanks to Jim Stephenson.

    Brighton
    22 June 2012

    Creative responses to unused space

    Kieran has been invited by RIBA Sussex to talk in Brighton on the theme of “creative responses to unused space” part of LoveArchitecture.org.

    Creative responses to unused space
    20 June 2012

    Sustainable design interview

    Philips Lighting publish interview with Kieran on Sustainable design.

    philipsblog
    28 May 2012

    Inspirational Designs agenda

    Scottish Government publish our Japanese House as part of their Inspirational Designs agenda.

    Inspirational Designs agenda
    28 May 2012

    Peabody exhibition

    Exhibition at New London Architecture. Image copyright and thanks to Agnese Sanvito.

    Peabody exhibition
    23 May 2012

    Planning application

    New planning application today for this extension to listed building.

    planning application
    19 May 2012

    Site Specific

    Kieran presented the practice’s work at the V&A in Dundee under the theme “Site Specific”. Link to video to follow.

    Design Uncovered
    17 May 2012

    Peabody brochure

    We didn’t win.

    Published in the peabody brochure for shortlisted schemes and exhibited at New London Architecture.

    Peabody article
    3 May 2012

    Design development model

    Design development model in progress for house extension, Edinburgh.

    Design development model
    2 May 2012

    Grand Designs Magazine

    The Japanese House, Edinburgh featured in the special 100th anniversary edition of Grand Designs Magazine. Eight page article by Jill MacNair with photographs by Ben Anders.

    grand designs
    25 April 2012

    Community project for architecture competition

    The GIA are looking for a new community project to use to run an architecture competition for 2012. (We won the Kilcreggan competition in 2011, pictured). A pdf is available to download for more information here.

    architecture competition
    12 April 2012

    V&A

    KGA are proud to announce that the V&A has invited us together with DO Architecture from Glasgow and Kennedy Twaddle from London / Dundee to give the V&A at Dundee‘s annual keynote address. Part of the Ignite Festival in Dundee on 19th May. The 2011 lecture was given by Kengo Kuma.

    V&A
    10 April 2012

    Competitions

    We were invited to submit a proposal for a 5000m2 office building in Geneva. The site was complicated with a North frontage and surrounded by a mix of housing, office and light industrial buildings. Our proposal was to make a deep timber frame with a mix of timber and glass infill to soften the building. This image by the fantastic Jonathan Knox of Pixogram.

    Special thanks to new employee Frazer Haviz who has been working hard on these competitions.

    Geneva
    28 March 2012

    Peckham Charrette issue

    The Architects Journal publish their Peckham Charrette issue. Konishi Gaffney invited and led one of the six architect / lighting teams.

    The Architects Journal
    Peckham Charrette issue
    28 March 2012

    Design Day

    We were invited by Philips Lighting and The Architects Journal to a design charette on Peckham in London. Marianne and Kieran attended from the studio.

    26 March 2012

    Inspirational Designs

    Scottish government publishes our Bath Street and Japanese House projects in their new exemplar pages entitled Inspirational Designs.

    Inspirational Designs
    26 March 2012

    Urban Realm Architecture Scotland Annual 2011

    Just been sent a copy of the Urban Realm Architecture Scotland Annual 2011 with our Bath Street project.

    Urban Realm Architecture Scotland Annual 2011
    16 March 2012

    Black Isle design exercise

    How do you place a modern extension onto an asymmetric 1970’s house?

    Our answer was to ignore that problem and solve a different problem: How to give more height to the ground floor extension when there is a flat roof balcony 2.5m above…

    I like our solution (the steps point at the amazing view) and this was done in 6 hours proving we can tailor our services to your requirements!

    extension image
    13 March 2012

    Toddler Hut project

    Consultation photographs from our Toddler Hut project.

    Toddler Hut project
    Toddler Hut project
    1 March 2012

    Architects Journal

    Architects Journal news article on the Peckham Rye Lane Urban Design charette. Online version in the Architects Journal (subscription may be required)

    Architects Journal
    17 February 2012

    Architects Journal

    KGA were invited by the Architects Journal as one of six architects & lighting designers to work on the Peckham Rye Lane Urban Design charette. The event (on 23rd February) was sponsored by Philips Lighting who also invited us to Eindhoven to see their R&D factory and new products.
    Article in the Architects Journal (subscription may be required). Photo by Merlin Fulcher.

    Eindhoven
    16 February 2012

    Trinity extension photography

    Pictures of our Trinity project back from the photographer.

    Trinity extension
    15 February 2012

    No.1 Magazine

    Published in the fabulous No.1 Magazine.

    No.1 Magazine
    2 February 2012

    Toddler Hut model

    Toddler Hut model images added to project page and article in the Scotsman on Toddler Hut consultations.

    Toddler Hut model
    2 February 2012

    Toddler Hut

    Toddler Hut public consultation tomorrow afternoon at the local library.

    Toddler Hut
    26 January 2012

    Photography day

    Photography day with Alan Craigie of our recently completed projects at Trinity and Willowbrae in Edinburgh. (This one an i-phone pic of mine, not the real thing!)

    Photography day
    24 January 2012

    We love plastecine!

    In progress 1:300 site model by Sheffield architecture school graduates Rafaela and Josh.

    We love plastecine!
    13 January 2012

    Recent drawings

    Sketch 1
    Sketch
    7 January 2012

    K is for…

    We make the list (only architect) in Scotland’s The Herald 2012 press review of year called “Who’s Hot & What’s Happening”.  Many thanks to Module Architects for alerting us to the fact.

    K is for...
    8 December 2011

    Wallpaper* magazine

    Wallpaper* magazine publish picture of Makiko & Kieran with 4 other practices in the Architecture Gallery at the V&A with short article about projects.

    Wallpaper* magazine
    7 December 2011

    Kitchen / dining / living alterations

    Work nears completion on this small project for kitchen / dining / living alterations.

    Kitchen
    2 December 2011

    Sketch design

    Sketch design work on a small house alterations project.

    Sketch design
    28 November 2011

    Pepakura

    Working on some iterations of form for a small children’s nursery using the fantastic Pepakura designer which allows you to make very quick paper models from 3D computer models.

    pepakura
    23 November 2011

    Saltire Housing Award commendation

    Konishi Gaffney Architects won a prestigious Saltire Housing Award commendation for the Bath Street Window project.

    The Saltire Awards are 75 years old and the most prestigious awards in Scotland. We are delighted to have won having been shortlisted for the Japanese House in 2010. Congratulations to the builder Watson & Lyall who were there to pick up the award and the structural engineer Tall Engineers.

    BBC articles: Nov 2011, Aug 2011

    Saltire logo
    11 November 2011

    Willowbrae update

    Progress on our project in Willowbrae, Edinburgh. Here new steel beams are encased in plasterboard to give short fire resistance.

    Willowbrae
    7 November 2011

    Greenhill Place

    Photographer Alan Craigie took some great pictures of our Greenhill Place kitchen doors, nicknamed Alice in Wonderland doors as the scale of the opening is so large.

    Greenhill Place kitchen doors
    28 October 2011

    Letter of the week

    Kieran wrote to the AJ about the Doolan RIAS best building in Scotland Prize and was published as letter of the week. We are looking forward to an honorary AJ china mug in the post!

    letter of the week
    26 October 2011

    Ceramic tile

    We spent two week in France over the summer with our friend Frances Doherty, she “encourgaed” me into making a ceramic tile (all her guests do) and has now posted it on her pottery blog. Mine is a maquette of the entry sequence to our Fermanagh house.

    Frances makes incredible ceramic sculptures (see her blue bells for example) which are a hand made version of biomimicry | parametricism. The sculptural repetition has an architectural power that I am trying to find a way of using on a building scale.

    ceramic tile
    24 October 2011

    Sutherland visit

    Just back from an extraordinary week visiting Sutherland (the far North West of Scotland) we had never been before and were overawed by the landscape. Really want to work in this area – so if you have a project let us know!

    Sutherland view
    26 September 2011

    Hi-Design

    Chinese publisher Hi-Design publish our Japanese House.

    hi-design pages
    16 September 2011

    Canted House

    Working up presentation drawings of our Canted House. Project listing to follow.

    Canted House
    13 September 2011

    Timber clad extension

    Planning application for small, affordable timber clad extension and alterations to this existing house in Portobello goes in.

    63 elevations
    6 September 2011

    Archdaily

    Archdaily publish our Kilcreggan Competition win.

    kilcreggan archdaily
    2 September 2011

    Green hill doors

    This project is a very simple design solution – a set of 3m high doors for a kitchen, out the garden. One thinner door opens in, the other larger door opens out.

    The Client loves it and claims it has radically changed their house and how they live, which is why I love domestic architecture; small changes can make a disproportionate difference.

    green hill doors
    31 August 2011

    TV interview

    Interview on local TV station, URTV, about the Kilcreggan Competion win.

    urtv logo
    30 August 2011

    Saltire Housing Design Awards

    The 2011 Saltire Housing Design Awards shortlist was announced today. Our £25K Bath Street Window is up against strong competition so we’re not holding our breath…Nice to be recognised though after our Japanese House made the 2010 shortlist.

    Saltire logo
    22 August 2011

    Kilcreggan – a future for rural communities

    Konishi Gaffney architects presented on Saturday evening to the community and 6 judges in Kilcreggan village hall, we had expected 15-20 people so were pleased and surprised to see a packed hall. We were very pleased to have won from a large number of entrants (the shortlist was 6 from 56) and look forward to working with a very intelligent (and forthright) community lead by the Rosneath Peninsula West Community Development Trust.

    This image of proposed beach and pool in the bay, located on the Highland boundary fault line.

    Thanks to the Glasgow Institute of Architects for a very well run competition. Full results here.

    kilcreggan
    1 August 2011

    Dwell Magazine

    Published in US based Dwell Magazine and parodied in Unhappy Hipsters whose tagline “It’s lonely in the modern world” we love. Pictures by Ben Anders.

    Dwell
    29 June 2011

    Trinity project update

    Sedum roof matting installed on Friday on our Trinity project. The green cable in a temporary watering supply mechanism (hence also the water in the valley gutter).

    Trinity project
    25 June 2011

    Riverside Museum

    Visited Zaha Hadid’s Riverside Museum in Glasgow. Great building.

    Riverside Museum
    22 June 2011

    House in Fermanagh

    At the summer soltice it’s hard to remember what noon on January 2nd looked like. Here it is, when we visited the new site for a house in Fermanagh. The house we designed, under wraps for now, is currently in for planning which is an interminably long process in Northern Ireland.

    House in Fermanagh
    10 June 2011

    Trinity House update

    ScotLarch cladding at the listed Trinity House.

    ScotLarch cladding
    7 June 2011

    Art of Leith

    Art of Leith Exhibition opens.

    Art of Leith Exhibition
    3 June 2011

    Saltire Housing award

    Shortlisted for a second Saltire Housing award in a row for our tiny Bath Street Window project. The last set of Judges from the EAA didn’t visit in the end which was very disappointing.

    27 May 2011

    Art of Leith

    Art of Leith Exhibition poster uses our Fermanagh House image. Please come along to the exhibition and to the Open Studios day.

    Art of Leith
    25 May 2011

    URBAN Realm

    Bath Street Window published on the URBAN Realm site.

    19 May 2011

    adam&eve

    Invited to join the adam&eve project.

    adam&eve
    17 May 2011

    BetonHala Exhibition Centre Competition

    BetonHala Exhibition Centre Competition winners announced.

    beton hala
    10 May 2011

    Model display

    Cleared Fraser’s desk today by [finally] getting these models up on the wall.

    model display
    9 May 2011

    Beautiful Kitchens

    Our Bath Street Window makes the cover of Beautiful Kitchens Magazine.

    Beautiful Kitchens
    7 April 2011

    Scottish Larch cladding

    Scottish Larch cladding from Russwood sample panel approved by client today.

    Scottish Larch cladding
    31 March 2011

    Competition proposal

    Competition proposal, first model images.

    Competition proposal
    Competition proposal
    17 March 2011

    Trinity extension

    Site progress on our Trinity extension – cladding panels going on and ground levelled.

    Trinity extension
    14 March 2011

    Matsushima tsunami update

    Matsushima, where we lived for three years appears largely to have missed the main tsunami demolition. Aerial photo montage post-tsunami 14th March 2011. CLICK HERE for very large image (may take a few minutes). 5KM to the East Higashi-matsushima looks like this.

    Matsushima
    1 March 2011

    Model

    Sketch model for new house in Ireland.

    Wooden model
    Wooden model
    21 February 2011

    Trinity extension

    Site progress on our Trinity extension.

    Trinity extension
    7 February 2011

    Bo Bedre

    Our Japanese House published by Danish / Norweigen design magazine Bo Bedre.

    Bo Bedre
    4 February 2011

    Kengo Kuma interview

    In Tokyo for three weeks (as Thomas Heatherwick would say “on a research trip”).  Met and interviewed architect Kengo Kuma today for a magazine article about his brilliant competition winning project for the V&A in Dundee.

    3 February 2011

    The Architects Journal

    Our Bath Street Window published on the cover of The Architects Journal as part of the shortlist for the small projects award 2011.

    The Architects Journal
    24 January 2011

    EAA small projects award

    EAA small projects award submission deadline today.

    EAA small projects award
    21 January 2011

    Fermanagh house model

    First sketch model of our Fermanagh house, thinking about cob, straw bale or clay daub textures.

    fermangh first model
    17 January 2011

    Trinity House

    Steel and start of timber frame have gone in on our Trinity House.

    Trinity house frame
    12 January 2011

    Japanese house

    Japanese house published as a budget self build home, see press for full article.

    Japanese house
    9 January 2011

    Walk-a-chat group

    Joined the walk-a-chat group climbing the unpronounceable Stuc an Lochain. We had really amazing weather (clear blue skies and no wind) as we climbed through thick snow chatting about art’n’stuff.

    walkachat
    13 December 2010

    Location Scotland

    You can now hire out our Japanese House for photo shoots for the day via Location Scotland.

    Location Scotland
    8 December 2010

    Study model

    Study / furniture plwood model at 1:10.

    Model at 1:10.
    2 December 2010

    Trinity House

    A very snowy site at our extension & conversion to grade B listed Trinity House. Thankfully the large internal changes mean it is not slowing up the contractor, Wilkie Construction, too much as they can get on with internal works. Externally the standpipe is frozen every morning and the concrete freezes in the mixer after 20 minutes. The foundations were cast just in time according to the contractor, though I don’t know when they will be able to cast the ground bearing slab.

    Trinity House
    1 December 2010

    Build It

    Published in January edition of self build magazine Build It pictures by Douglas Gibb.

    Build It article
    24 November 2010

    Dublin Sports Hall

    We just found out that we didn’t win the Loreto Sports Hall competition in Dublin. We are disappointed but also a bit irritated with the competition process.

    Dublin Sports Hall
    23 November 2010

    Trinity House update

    Demolition on a sunny morning at Trinity House, Edinburgh. I find this picture artistic even though it is a progress ‘snap’ of a new opening. There is something vaguely ominous in it.

    Trinity progress
    19 November 2010

    Study

    Working on a tiny project for a study which we are proposing as a plywood insert with its own shoji screen.

    Gordon road
    16 November 2010

    Fraser McQuade

    We are very proud to officially welcome our new employee Fraser McQuade. Fraser won the EAA medal as best 3rd year student at ECA which Kieran presented back in June (news 10/06/2010).

    15 November 2010

    Trinity House

    Our alteration and extension of the listed Trinity House (Edinburgh) starts on site with some speedy demolitions.

    Trinity House demolitions
    12 November 2010

    Scotstoun Extension

    Our extension in Scotstoun (Glasgow) added to the projects list.

    Extension in Scotstoun
    28 October 2010

    Archello

    Archello publish our information and a story about the Japanese House here.

    Archello
    25 October 2010

    Wallpaper* Magazine

    Japanese House published by Wallpaper* Magazine as reason number for 5 for being in the UK, very proud and nice words by Caroline Ednie.

    Wallpaper* Magazine
    24 October 2010

    RBS Sense magazine

    Informed by a client that we had been published by RBS Sense magazine, weird thing was no-one had gotten in contact with us to discuss in advance. Editor was very apologetic but truth is this is good publicity for us. Just cleaned out our junk mail and spotted e-mail from journalist in July.

    RBS Sense magazine
    2 October 2010

    Site visit

    Site visit for one of our early projects that sailed out of the office last year. Note to self: no more of these “stop at Stage E” projects.

    Site visit
    26 September 2010

    Doors Open Day

    Doors Open Day 2010 was a great success. Estimates vary but we think around 1,500 people visited our little house (it was very busy). To all who attended, thank you for your patience, kind words and good humour.

    Special thanks to Maggie Spalding from the Cockburn Association without whom we would have been swamped and to Neil, Fraser, Nancy, Clare & Paul for their help and support.

    Please CLICK HERE to support the Cockburn Association.

    20 September 2010

    Sixteen Makers

    We also saw 55.02 by Sixteen Makers at Kielder (My old friends Nick Calicott, Phil Ayres and Bob Sheil). An amazing piece of architecture – Makiko loved it for it’s Japanese-ness and I for it’s complexity of construction; I wish we had access to making skills and technologies like these.

    Link to Bob Sheil’s proto architecture manifesto on Leopold Lambert’s blog.

    sixteenmakers sep2010
    20 September 2010

    Kielder

    Spent the weekend at Kielder looking at art and architecture including James Turrell’s Sky Space.

    Kielder
    15 September 2010

    Business Cards

    New Business Cards with 1:1 scale image of the Big Black Pillar; with the unexpected effect that when you hold up the card against the pillar the card disappears.

    Business Cards
    4 September 2010

    Bath Street window

    First draft of the photos (in the rain) of the Bath Street window by David Clark.

    Bath Street window
    1 September 2010

    Trinity extension

    Trinity extension receives planning permission and listed building consent.

    Trinity extension
    16 August 2010

    The Cockburn Association Edinburgh

    The Cockburn Association Edinburgh Doors Open Day brochure arrives and we have a page to ourselves. See press page for more info. Now all we have to do is open up on the day – we have been told to expect between 500-1000 people.

    The Cockburn Association Edinburgh
    6 August 2010

    Saltire awards

    Saltire awards shortlist announced in RIAS Quarterly magazine.

    RIAS Quarterly
    3 August 2010

    Borders House

    Our client for the Borders House sent us this image of the cladding now well under way.

    Borders House
    27 July 2010

    Portobello Long House

    David finishes off his placement with some revised images of the Portobello Long House.

    Portobello Long House
    17 July 2010

    Bath Street window update

    Snagging the Bath Street window today.

    12 July 2010

    Architect In The House scheme

    Konishi Gaffney architects are participating in the 2010 Architect In The House scheme which offers homeowners a one hour consultation with an architect in return for a donation to homeless charity Shelter.

    7 July 2010

    Saltire Award

    Shortlist for Saltire Award announced. A Flickr set with images of all the projects shortlisted in 5 categories.

    News Link Housing Today.

    6 July 2010

    Homes & Interiors Scotland magazine

    Homes & Interiors Scotland magazine publish a 6 page article on the Japanese House.

    Homes & Interiors Scotland
    5 July 2010

    David Clark

    Konishi Gaffney architects are joined by student architect David Clark for a few weeks over summer.

    26 June 2010

    James Falconer

    Konishi Gaffney architects are joined by talented young architect James Falconer. Welcome aboard James.

    22 June 2010

    Saltire Housing Award

    Japanese house shortlisted for a Saltire Housing Award, judges are visiting on Thursday 24th June 2010.

    portobellodiagonalsq
    10 June 2010

    EAA JR McKay medal

    Kieran Gaffney presents EAA JR McKay medal to Fraser McQuade, the best 3rd year student at Edinburgh Collge of Art 2010. See EAA website article.

    7 June 2010

    Out of the Blue

    We have moved into our new space – a shared arts studio in “Out of the Blue” in Dalmeny Street. However, our main address is still the Japanese House in Bellfield Lane.

    tiltshift
    3 June 2010

    EAA “JR McKay” medal

    Kieran judged the EAA “JR McKay” medal with Robert Black and Angus Eitel at the Edinburgh College of Art, very interesting.

    1 June 2010

    Bath St Window update

    Construction continues on the Bath St Window as the main glass panels are installed.

    23 May 2010

    Scotland on Sunday

    The Japanese House featured with a 6 page article in the Scotland on Sunday, At Home magazine.

    Scotland on Sunday
    11 May 2010

    Dwell Magazine

    Aaron Britt from Dwell Magazine visits us for breakfast during his Scotland tour and sends a postcard back to the magazine.

    5 May 2010

    Bath St Window update

    Boys day in Japan. Construction continues on the Bath St Window.

    28 April 2010

    Scottish Storytelling Centre

    Kieran will give a short talk as one of the EAA award winners for 2010 on the Japanese House, at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, from 17:30.

    27 April 2010

    Strathclyde University

    Kieran invited to review 5th year diploma projects at Strathclyde University in Glasgow.

    22 April 2010

    Bath St Window update

    Our project Bath St Window on site; the big opening has been formed and project should be finished in 3-4 weeks.

    20 April 2010

    Edinburgh College of Art

    Kieran and Makiko invited to review project work and portfolios for 2nd year architecture students at the Edinburgh College of Art.

    15 April 2010

    Building Design

    Press article in Building Design.

    bd
    1 April 2010

    EAA small projects award

    Konishi Gaffney architects win EAA small projects award.

    “The Small Projects Award was made to Konishi Gaffney architects for their Japanese House. Designed for a Scottish-Japanese family, the house incorporates several Japanese themes and provides a light-filled and comfortable family home in Portobello.”

    Makiko and Kieran received the award at the Balmoral Hotel (on April Fool’s day).
    EAA Website news

    22 March 2010

    Archdaily feature

    Japanese House featured on Archdaily.

    archdaily
    22 March 2010

    New photographs

    New photographs by Alan Craigie

    newpictures
    19 February 2010

    EAA small project award 2010

    Japanese House shortlisted for EAA small project award 2010.

    EAAshortlist
    25 January 2010

    EAA small project award 2010

    Submission made for EAA small project award 2010.

    Many thanks to Alan Craigie who took some great new photographs.

    EAAawardsA12
    21 January 2010

    Zumtobel Photographic Competition

    Kieran was placed 11th in the 2009 Zumtobel photographic competition from 2,000 entries with the top 22 invited for lunch in Nottinghill on February 12th 2010. The pictures were all taken using fixed lens throwaway cameras so we haven’t even seen the images yet, should be fun.

    Update: images published in Building Design.

    Zumtobel photographic competition
    17 December 2009

    Pecha Kucha Night Edinburgh

    Kieran and Makiko are showing some work at Pecha Kucha Night Edinburgh. 17th December 2009 7:30 – 9 pm.

    Pecha Kucha Night was devised in Tokyo in February 2003 as an event for young designers to meet, network, and show their work in public. Drawing its name from the Japanese term for the sound of “chit chat”, it is based on a simple idea: 20 images x 20 seconds with each talk lasting around 7mins.

    At Inspace (the Informatics Building at Edinburgh University) 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9AB

    The event is free but needs advance booking www.pecha-kucha.org/night/edinburgh/6

    pechakucha
    7 October 2009

    Invited critic

    Kieran was invited critic for 3rd year architecture students at Edinburgh College of Art.

    6 October 2009

    Bath Street Window update

    Revised image for Bath Street Window.

    Bath Street Window
    1 October 2009

    Postcards

    1000 postcards printed for distribution in Portobello.

    3 September 2009

    Engineering Scotland and Japan: Past, Present and Future

    Attended the Royal Society of Edinburgh Discussion Forum ‘Engineering Scotland and Japan: Past, Present and Future’.

    31 August 2009

    LIFT ARCHITECTS

    Amazing drawing made to represent the construction process for a very interesting little exhibition project in California College of Arts. The project is most interesting for it’s use of 3D modelling and parametrics to auto-create this complex structure. LIFT ARCHITECTS

    Grasshopper FLUX
    27 August 2009

    Bath Street Window project update

    Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent granted for our Bath Street Window project; a grade B listed building in a Conservation Area. Consent was granted following consultation in 6 weeks and without contention.

    1 July 2009

    Borders House

    Borders House construction started – timber kit erected in three weeks.

    1 May 2009

    Building Regs on flues 2009

    flues