The Boiler House
Following the decommissioning of the gas boilers and greenhouses at St. Andrews’ Botanic Gardens, RKA were invited to pitch for the project of reusing the existing boiler house and adapting this into a new education space for school pupils, university students, and visiting groups.The elegant 1970s structure needed a new lease of life. We re-used the machine room as a new entrance hall with a tall ceiling and added a high level window. The main move was to remove the wall between the boiler room and garages to create one large flexible space with exposed steel and timber structure.
Dutch Village
Originally commissioned to just undertake a condition survey of this listed island RKA saw an opportunity to create a brief with our client about what the future of the island could become.The Dutch Village is an island within Craigtoun country park, a much-loved local destination with fond memories for many in St Andrews of a space to relax, have an ice cream, take a boat out, and host theatre productions. The building has been in disrepair and sat un-used for over 20 years.
Ardgowan Hotel
This proposal delivers a comprehensive upgrade to the Ardgowan Hotel in St Andrews, comprising two adjoining B-listed Georgian properties. The scheme sensitively reconfigures the hotel layout to improve functionality, guest experience, and long-term viability. Key elements include full internal refurbishment, a new rear extension for upgraded kitchens and staff facilities, and the creation of additional hotel rooms.
1970s Home Extension
This residential proposal enhances a 1970s family home in St. Andrews through a thoughtful side and rear extension, designed to improve the quality of internal space and its relationship to the surrounding garden. The L-shaped addition accommodates a spacious open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area - creating a central hub for family life with strong visual and physical connections to the outdoors.
Craigtoun Events Space
Set within the natural beauty of Craigtoun Park, our proposal envisions a new multi-use community space designed to support education and a wide range of local initiatives. The concept centres around flexibility - creating a welcoming and adaptable environment that serves the diverse needs of community groups, schools, volunteers, and events.
St Andrews Residential Refurbishment
St Andrews Residential Refurbishment: This project involves the full refurbishment, reconfiguration, and extension of an existing family home in St Andrews, creating a contemporary and highly functional home tailored to the needs of its owners. The design transforms the dated cellular internal layout into a bright, open, and flexible living environment while carefully respecting the scale and character of the surrounding residential neighbourhood.
Eden View
The location of this project benefits from fantastic view across the River Eden and North Sea coastline – views which were bizarrely obscured because the only window looked in the other direction! We proposed a new corner window to maximise the view and added a window seat to allow our clients to really enjoy it.
Skillion
A feasibility study looked at several options for sideways or upward extensions for this corner-site property in St. Andrews. The 1970s bungalow was limiting our clients’ growing family and a larger space for contemporary living was required.The final concept design looked to remove the existing pitched roof to create a new first floor with a double height space above the kitchen. The extra storey would provide an extra living room, 2 bedrooms, an extra bathroom plus utility space. Almost doubling their current accommodation.
St. Andrews Cottage
This residential project on the fringes of St Andrews has been designed to sensitively adapt the home for long-term living. A new porch extension and internal reconfiguration provide space for future carer accommodation, ensuring the home can evolve with its occupants’ needs. The design balances practicality with comfort, supporting independence while offering flexibility for the years ahead.
St. Andrews Residential Extension
This project involves the full internal refurbishment of a traditional period home, complemented by a bold yet sensitive rear extension. Designed to enhance flow and reconnect the house with its garden, the extension features sleek zinc cladding paired with sustainable cork spray render and two opposing pitched roofs for a contemporary look. Glazing elements are thoughtfully positioned to maximise light and views: a wraparound slot window frames the garden, a high-level window highlights a nearby historic church, and rooflights bring in morning and evening sunlight, creating a bright, welcoming living space that blends old and new.
