Architektur Fachmagazin
Architektur Fachmagazin have written an article about our Greyfriars Charteris Centre project; now a topic for research across borders.
Translation:
With the revitalisation, renovation, and extension of the Greyfriars Charteris Centre, Konishi Gaffney Architects have combined formerly separate historic buildings in the centre of Edinburgh. They transformed the former church and an adjacent building into a modern community centre with flexible office and workspace areas and a new gathering point for believers.
Like many other buildings in the metropolis, this project is named after theologian Archibald Charteris and looks back on a moving past. The small ensemble consists of the former Deaconess Hospital built in 1891, St. Ninian's Centre, and the Charteris Memorial Church from 1912 (also known as Kirk o’Field Church and Kirk o’Field Centre). The neighbouring Deaconess House – which was converted from a hospital into student housing – is also part of the Charteris complex. The church and school have served for decades as a spiritual and social centre for the largest Scottish church congregation. Since 2016, all three buildings have been used as community spaces for interfaith spiritual groups. During the planning phase for the renovation and conversion, the buildings were to be carefully repaired and adapted for their new use. Konishi Gaffney Architects won the corresponding competition in Edinburgh in 2017.
Unobtrusively integrated into the cityscape and spread across several floors, the new three-storey extension acts as a connecting element not only in terms of circulation, but also between the formerly separate main buildings. It ensures that the planners’ goal – better connectivity, better urban presence, and better accessibility – was fulfilled. The new tract is built in timber construction. Nestled between the church with its characteristic tower and St. Ninian’s, which still refers to its neighbours with its wide terrace projection and fine brick facades. Narrow lamellas at different intervals define the structure and rhythm of the façade. Made of acetylated Accoya wood, the slats are long-lasting, robust, and sustainable. In the lower third, the façade pulls back in the area of the entrance, creating a protected entrance situation. On the left and right, the new building quotes the street front with a sculptural approach. It references the traditional features of Georgian architecture. With its semi-sculptural character and textured surface, it presents a modern interpretation of the rustic stone façade found in historic city structures. The work is by artist Steven Blench from Chalk Plaster.
The compact new building contains a three-storey atrium, which is both illuminated and ventilated from above and served by a lift to all levels. An entrance hall welcomes visitors and connects the individual areas of the complex, both horizontally and vertically, with a lobby in the centre. Curved wooden balustrades lead up to the top level, extending into the space and giving the slightly inclined structures a sculptural feel. Wide views and visual axes draw attention from passers-by and users alike. A small café and the transparent staircase link all three buildings. Open views and perspectives were created at many points. A former gymnasium became the coworking space, a large event hall with a stage and lighting system was created from a triple-height volume in the former St. Ninian’s Centre, and a wide new staircase forms the heart of the Greyfriars Charteris Centre. With seating and social uses, this stair hall serves not only for circulation but also as a social hub. Multifunctional community spaces in the other building parts complete the colourful spatial programme.
The interior design was carried out by the planning team in close collaboration with the local joinery company Old School Fabrications. All integrated elements – like the central staircase, wall and ceiling cladding, and furniture – were manufactured in the workshop. American maple, walnut, birch multiplex, and soft white paint characterise the material palette and create a contemporary contrast to the historic building fabric. Even the vaulted pine ceiling of the Presbyterian church nave was treated with a dark stain. Combined with large glazing and precise lighting, this creates an inviting and friendly atmosphere in the 11-metre-high event space. Upon entering, visitors are welcomed by a quiet, lamella-covered wood wall and a non-denominational altar panel in the background. This creates subtle views while also providing the required privacy for users. The flexible coworking space is acoustically separated by sound-absorbing curtains and visually divided by fine brass rods. Small rooms on the upper floors are used as discussion rooms or quiet workspaces and provide an intimate character.
The revitalised centre was made energy-efficient and significantly reduced its energy demand. A new heating system and solar-powered LED lighting, along with a 24 kW solar array on the southern roof, round off the sustainable renovation concept.
Konishi Gaffney Architects have connected not only interiors but also inside and outside in a harmonious overall composition with the new Greyfriars Charteris Centre. This dynamic church complex now contains another layer, one that tells its own story. Instead of setting strong architectural accents, the existing fabric is treated respectfully and carefully upgraded. Each individual function was newly organised within the historical buildings and given a distinctive spatial expression. The result is honest design with a sense for detail. Especially noticeable is the love of detail: from the old masonry to the brass fittings on the built-in furniture, to small finishes on the wood panelling. This shows how careful and considered the design is. According to the client and operator of the community centre – a multi-faith group – it is now a place for shared interaction, spirituality, thought, and work.
“Our architectural approach is about creating buildings that are simple, clear, and accessible – buildings that are calm and generous, that make people feel good. We try to create buildings where every aspect has been considered and thought through in terms of construction detail. Movement and function, light and shadow should be balanced with a sustainable, honest, and tactile approach – buildings that create a quiet connection between inside and outside.”