News
May 25
As far as settings go, this one in Killin is hard to beat! We obtained Planning permission for this contemporary
outbuilding by urbanpods in November last year, and we must say we're delighted with the results now it's completed!
April 25
It's quite the 'before' and 'after' comparison here for this completed project on the outskirts on Linlithgow...
A previous dilapidated outbuilding has been replaced by the new home studio and gym including hot tub and air source heat pump - quite a transformation!
March 25
A personal touch added here at The Sculpture Studio in West Lothian, now on site and with the homeowners' names Ian and Jean etched in the foundations!
February 25
We're delighted that Planning Permission has been granted for the timber-clad extension shown below in Edinburgh. The extension provides a new Dining are to be open plan with a new Kitchen, while other alterations in the existing house include a new WC and Utility area.
January 25
Happy new year everyone! We're delighted that the new year has kicked off with the Building Warrant now being granted for a new farmhouse to replace an existing smaller run-down and uninsulated farmhouse on the outskirts of Linlithgow!
The new farmhouse will use reclaimed stones and slates from the existing house, will be heated by a Ground Source Heat Pump, and will be powered by roof-top solar panels.
The build achieves a high volume to surface-area ratio and carefully locates windows to make the most of key views while minimising the risk of Summer overheating - to provide a contemporary home with the scale and character of a traditional farmhouse.
Watch this space for more updates as the build commences this year!
December 24
Our latest project submitted for Planning Permission is the conversion and restoration of this two-storey stone-built building in Cupar's historic Conservation Area.
The building had been used commercially and then fell into ruin after been unloved for many years - the new plans involve repairs and refurbishment, as well as insulation and damp-proofing, to convert the building into a wonderful three-bedroom home including the retention of existing fireplaces and a new double-height living space.
November 24
Planning Permission has been granted this month for our latest single-storey extension in Linlithgow. This project includes the removal of an old conservatory and the construction of a new Living and Dining Room extension in its place, along with a new side entrance to the existing house and new log-burning stove in the extension.
The next stage of the project will see us proceed with the Building Warrant application for the extension, for construction in 2025!
October 24
We're delighted that Chevron House in Bathgate has now achieved Practical Completion!
This project involved the partial removal of an existing outdated rear extension and construction of a new extension to continue across the rear of the house - to provide a new open plan Kitchen/Dining area and internal access to the existing Garage.
Doors and windows have been replaced throughout, and a new glazed internal bi-fold doorset allows the Kitchen to be opened up to adjacent internal Living Room to improve flow throughout the Ground Floor spaces.
September 24
September's photo shows our new two-storey extension near Westfield, almost complete and adding an extra gable to the composition of existing farm steadings buildings.
This is the second extension EKJN have added to this steadings development - the extension accommodates a new Dining and Utility space downstairs, and a Bedroom upstairs with fantastic views across the rolling countryside to the North.
August 24
Completion is almost here at Butterfly House in Linlithgow. The extension includes curved walls and round roof windows set within a concealed 'butterfly' roof.
Below is one photo from our latest site visit, and one kindly provided by the client showing the fantastic balustrade lighting and wall lights - it's like day and night!
July 24
This month we can share a photo of the front extension to Ceilidh House in South Queensferry - completed in January and now at the end of the 6-month Snagging period. The front elevation opens up for inside-outside living - making the most of the Summer months while we can!
June 24
We're delighted to welcome our new recruit, Architectural Assistant Alex Czekaj to EKJN Architects this month! As well as completing her Architecture degrees at the Glasgow School of Art, Alex has a further Master of Science degree in Architectural Design for The Conservation of Built Heritage at the University of Strathcyde - she is passionate about the approprate restoration of historic buildings, and will be assisting with our projects across Scotland.
Speaking of our Conservation projects, this month's photos show our ongoing restoration works at Murray Fountain in Crieff - with the scaffolding in place, this has enabled the commencement of the cleaning and repointing of the entire structure, and has allowed us to appreciate the incredible high level carved sculptures of the mythical sea creatures photographed below!
Read more about the project in a recent Press article here.
May 24
We are delighted to have new Project Architect Geoff MacLean join the EKJN team! Geoff brings experience from various practices across Edinburgh and Stirlingshire, and is particularly passionate about the construction of new-build houses and the extension of existing buildings to suit ever-changing needs.
Our image below shows one of our new-build houses in the Falkirk region, which has been granted Planning Permission this month! This new house is essential for the running of a on-site farm business, and will feature a Ground Source Heat Pump, solar panels, and South-facing living spaces to make the most of natural light and solar gain for maximum energy efficiency.
April 24
Planning Permission has now been granted for The Sculpture Studio in West Lothian - this reworking of an existing semi-detached house includes
front and rear extensions, alterations to rooms and spaces throughout, insulation improvements, and of course bespoke Studio space for the creation of sculptures within the reconfigured building.
March 24
We're delighted that Practical Completion has now been achieved for our alterations to 'House 53' in Linlithgow!
This project has included the removal of internal walls to create open plan Kitchen/Dining and Living/Play Room spaces, separated by a retractable sliding doorset. A new Kitchen has been fitted as well as new roof windows and large external glazed doorsets - the result is to let light much deeper into the building, bringing previously dark under-utilised spaces into new use.
February 24 - We're Hiring!
EKJN are seeking a talented and enthusiastic Architect to join our busy Linlithgow studio.
EKJN Architects are an award-winning practice with a reputation for delivering high quality architectural design solutions. We have a very varied workload including eco-houses, village halls, hotels, castles, restaurants and bespoke home extensions.
We hold RIAS accreditation in Architectural Conservation and Sustainable Design so this is an ideal opportunity for candidates with an interest in traditional buildings and sustainable design and in bringing these two disciplines together.
We have a relaxed and friendly office which promotes a healthy life/work balance, and we can offer a hybrid model of flexible home and office working. We believe passionately in encouraging staff to develop new and existing skills to meet their career aspirations.
For details of the job opportunity and how to apply see our Jobs page.
January 24
The start of 2024 sees Practical Completion achieved for Ceilidh House in South Queensferry - this house has been extended and overhauled to bring an open plan arrangement of Kitchen, Living and Dining spaces, with underfloor heating powered by a heat pump and a rear cathedral-ceiling Lounge extension finished with Scottish larch and aluminium detailing.
'Practical Completion' marks the start of the formal Snagging period, and we'll be back later in the year as part of our Aftercare service to check that all aspects of the house are performing as they should, and to gather feedback for future projects.
If you're considering such a project for your own house, please just get in touch!
December 23
This Christmas brings with it another of EKJN's chimney rebuild projects - as this December Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent have been granted for this reconstruction of a previously dangerous chimney on this fantastic Category B-Listed house in Alloa.
Construction works will take place in the new year, so that this time next year Father Christmas will be spoilt for choice for chimneys to come down!
Wishing everybody a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
November 23
We've been applying our Conservation know-how this month by assisting with the repair and restoration of the wonderful Murray Fountain in Crieff, with the application for Listed Building Consent now submitted to the Council.
This fantastic listed building was scuplted from granite and marble by sculptor William Mossman in 1894, with lettering noting it being "erected by the inhabitants of the burgh of Crieff, in recognition of many benefits received from the Murrays of Ochtertyre". The monument previously had an operating fountain, which was removed during refurbishment carried out in 1993. Since then there's sadly been a lot of water damage, cracks in stonework, graffiti, and damage to the weather vane caused at one time by the placement of a traffic cone...
We're delighted to be working closely with the Council to explore the feasibility of reinstating the working water fountain, while also carrying out some essential conservation works including repairs to stone and metalwork, cleaning, removal of graffiti and replacement lighting.
The building stands in an excellent location in Crieff's James Square, and we'd love to see it reinstated to its former glory.
October 23
We've been celebrating this month's Rugby World Cup with new steelwork at Deanburn Road in Linlithgow...
In a few weeks this steelwork will form the opening around a new sliding doorset and high level double-trapezoid window to bring plenty of light into a new double-height Kitchen/Dining Extension.
It will be quite the conversion!
September 23
Steelwork being installed at Harthill!
Among our projects on site right now are these alterations to a detached house in Harthill - including new Windows, Kitchen, Garage Conversion with En Suite, and this opening-up of a previously underused understair area to provide Utility space for the new boiler and appliances!
By making the most of every wee space like this our clients will get a more spacious Kitchen/Dining area, uncluttered from the Utility appliances now stored under the stairs... every little helps!
August 23
Site photos this month from our newbuild house in Philpstoun - after much meticulous preparation the Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) have been erected in no time at all, allowing progress to leap forward from a concrete slab to a full building structure!
Not long now until we get the roof finishes on and windows in place, this stage of the project is always excellent when things take shape very quickly!
July 23
We're excited to share images this month of a new Planning Application submitted for two houses in Linlithgow - the houses use a split-level layout to follow the topography of the site, include solar panels and Air Source Heat Pumps to minimise required energy consumption, and use a simple palette of materials in keeping with the Conservation Area.
June 23
We are delighted that EKJN Architects have been given the award of Scotland's Best Architectural Conservation Firm at the 2023 Build Architecture Awards!
Meanwhile our new eco-house Taigh Rčidhlean-Sgoile in Lasswade has been published in the Scotsman Magazine this month. The house has been designed by our hugely talented Architect Alastair Nicol, and we at EKJN are delighted with the outcome.
You can click the image below to read the publication, and to get some top tips on deck chairs while you're there!
May 23
EKJN Architects can be heard this month on a new Podcast about Panmure House in Edinburgh, created to marked the 300th Anniversary of the birth of the building's most famous former resident, Adam Smith.
The Podcast explores the life of Adam Smith and the history of Panmure House (pictured below), which EKJN Architects were involved in conserving and renovating from 2008-2018. Part of the podcast sees Jon Newey of EKJN talk through some of the main objectives and challenges of the
project, and the whole podcast is a fascinating listen - you can listen to the podcast here.
