By tapping into natures design process and methodology - into its grain and combining it with the materials, resources and computing power available to us today we believe a new architecture can emerge. An architecture that enhances life in all its fullness, one that is humane, pollution and emission free, resourceful and economic, efficient, elegant and truly effective.

Such architecture can be termed vernacular in its most true and original sense. The forms of such an architecture we are convinced will be more akin to those found in nature than those of the industrial age, they will be the forms of life; they will be extensions of nature and products of real partnership. It is our goal to pursue these aims.

Geometry (click here to go to kfm technologies)

KFM Technologies brings together over fifteen years of experience in applying advanced geometrical solutions to complex building projects. We have first-hand experience of using digital technology to simplify and make practical buildable solutions to complex three dimensional surfaces. Our experience includes geometrical problem solving for the roofs of Waterloo International, the Eden Project, Kansai Airport, and the Padre Pio Cathedral. We are interested in bringing our experienceof construction and digital technology to clients and partners who are interested in expanding their architecture in both form-finding and taking advantage of digital manufacturing and construction processes.

Claustra single edge surface

Lifebelt

The most sustainable cultures are those that are most primitive. It is modern global culture that consumes and damages most. Sustainable cultures are local cultures that have little dependency on the environment outside their own territory.

Lifebelt is a research project intended to review and adapt our approach to a number of aspects of modern life. Our towns and cities in the UK are surrounded by land which as been designated as greenbelt. The purpose of the greenbelt is to protect over-expansion and to maintain the amenity of accessible countryside. The land is underused and undervalued. Lifebelt proposes an alternative strategy. Food and water, energy, transport and waste can all be handled locally. By adapting the greenbelt to deal with the inputs and outputs of towns the benefits are exponential. This strategy has a positive impact upon local economics and social well being. The same issues which work to escalate consumption can be employed in the favour of local systems. Reduced food miles means, local employment, less packaging, less waste, reduced transport emissions, less traffic, clearer roads etc. Lifebelt research will aim to propose real viable strategies for adapting towns towards self sufficiency.

glo

radiator which emits light depending on warmth and lighting levels- simple thermostatic -led lights.
Colours: red for warm, green for eco setting , blue for off (summer)

Gyromill

This project seeks to exploit the potential for the generation of electricity through wind power. The ‘Gyromill’ is intended for rural sites where reliable wind speeds are at altitude and where permanent structures would be deemed inappropriate. It is a deployable mechanism without any need for vertical permanent structure and can be operated in a range of altitudes. The Gyromill is formed from an annular helium inflated multi-chamber ring providing enough lift to raise the payload into the higher reliable air streams. Once in the stronger currents the motion of the Gyromill propeller blades will provide two energy components. One component is the electrical energy converted from the spinning of the blades, the other component is lift allowing the assembly to be lifted into higher levels and releasing some of the high loads on the tether. The assembly has a diameter of 10m with 5m long carbon fiber impeller blades. The structure uses bicycle like tensegrity spokes linked to a carbon fiber rim. Phosphorescent coatings on the Gyromill illuminate the craft and serve as a night-time beacon for the site.

EVATool to go to website click here, www.evatool.com

EVAtool, a process driven environmental management tool that acts as a catalyst by which decision makers and designers within the built environment professions can inform, chart, educate and record strategies that deliver sustainable development. Kirkland Fraser Moor are founding partners of Enviarch.

EVAtool enables the architect, designer and construction professional to be informed about environmental issues and
opportunities at all stages of the building development process, embedding a viable and strategic approach for the ecological improvement of the built environment.

Reality Modelling

Alongside the sophisticated computer simulation technologies available to us, we believe there are advantages to physically making and testing ideas for components and systems.
We use this technique for daylight studies, ergonomic studies on full-scale components and to understand assembly sequences and structural behaviour. The feedback from these tests gives us a better understanding of weight, complexity and also serve to communicate to builders and manufacturers.

Model making is integral to our approach to design both for communication to clients and ourselves. Sketch models from the earliest design stages can quickly explain and resolve design issues.

Return to top of page

KIRKLAND FRASER MOOR
home \| projects \| info \| contact \| research \| news+links research
Our design solutions are process driven. We are interested in the craft of how buildings and products are made and how they can in turn enhance life, both human and non-human. By understanding these processes we are better able to extend the boundaries of our designs, maximising innovation, whilst ensuring that they are achievable within current manufacturing and economic frameworks. By tapping into natures design process and methodology - into its grain and combining it with the materials, resources and computing power available to us today we believe a new architecture can emerge. An architecture that enhances life in all its fullness, one that is humane, pollution and emission free, resourceful and economic, efficient, elegant and truly effective. Such architecture can be termed vernacular in its most true and original sense. The forms of such an architecture we are convinced will be more akin to those found in nature than those of the industrial age, they will be the forms of life; they will be extensions of nature and products of real partnership. It is our goal to pursue these aims. Geometry (click here to go to kfm technologies) KFM Technologies brings together over fifteen years of experience in applying advanced geometrical solutions to complex building projects. We have first-hand experience of using digital technology to simplify and make practical buildable solutions to complex three dimensional surfaces. Our experience includes geometrical problem solving for the roofs of Waterloo International, the Eden Project, Kansai Airport, and the Padre Pio Cathedral. We are interested in bringing our experienceof construction and digital technology to clients and partners who are interested in expanding their architecture in both form-finding and taking advantage of digital manufacturing and construction processes. Lifebelt The most sustainable cultures are those that are most primitive. It is modern global culture that consumes and damages most. Sustainable cultures are local cultures that have little dependency on the environment outside their own territory. Lifebelt is a research project intended to review and adapt our approach to a number of aspects of modern life. Our towns and cities in the UK are surrounded by land which as been designated as greenbelt. The purpose of the greenbelt is to protect over-expansion and to maintain the amenity of accessible countryside. The land is underused and undervalued. Lifebelt proposes an alternative strategy. Food and water, energy, transport and waste can all be handled locally. By adapting the greenbelt to deal with the inputs and outputs of towns the benefits are exponential. This strategy has a positive impact upon local economics and social well being. The same issues which work to escalate consumption can be employed in the favour of local systems. Reduced food miles means, local employment, less packaging, less waste, reduced transport emissions, less traffic, clearer roads etc. Lifebelt research will aim to propose real viable strategies for adapting towns towards self sufficiency. glo radiator which emits light depending on warmth and lighting levels- simple thermostatic -led lights. Colours: red for warm, green for eco setting , blue for off (summer) Gyromill This project seeks to exploit the potential for the generation of electricity through wind power. The ‘Gyromill’ is intended for rural sites where reliable wind speeds are at altitude and where permanent structures would be deemed inappropriate. It is a deployable mechanism without any need for vertical permanent structure and can be operated in a range of altitudes. The Gyromill is formed from an annular helium inflated multi-chamber ring providing enough lift to raise the payload into the higher reliable air streams. Once in the stronger currents the motion of the Gyromill propeller blades will provide two energy components. One component is the electrical energy converted from the spinning of the blades, the other component is lift allowing the assembly to be lifted into higher levels and releasing some of the high loads on the tether. The assembly has a diameter of 10m with 5m long carbon fiber impeller blades. The structure uses bicycle like tensegrity spokes linked to a carbon fiber rim. Phosphorescent coatings on the Gyromill illuminate the craft and serve as a night-time beacon for the site. EVATool to go to website click here, www.evatool.com EVAtool, a process driven environmental management tool that acts as a catalyst by which decision makers and designers within the built environment professions can inform, chart, educate and record strategies that deliver sustainable development. Kirkland Fraser Moor are founding partners of Enviarch. EVAtool enables the architect, designer and construction professional to be informed about environmental issues and opportunities at all stages of the building development process, embedding a viable and strategic approach for the ecological improvement of the built environment. Reality Modelling Alongside the sophisticated computer simulation technologies available to us, we believe there are advantages to physically making and testing ideas for components and systems. We use this technique for daylight studies, ergonomic studies on full-scale components and to understand assembly sequences and structural behaviour. The feedback from these tests gives us a better understanding of weight, complexity and also serve to communicate to builders and manufacturers. Model making is integral to our approach to design both for communication to clients and ourselves. Sketch models from the earliest design stages can quickly explain and resolve design issues. Return to top of page