Burns Court

Burns Court is a 52-unit flatted development in Kirkintilloch where MAST worked with East Dunbartonshire Council on a comprehensive three-phase programme of refurbishment. The project addressed both the performance of the existing buildings and the quality of the residential environment, with improvements extending from individual homes to shared access areas and external spaces.

A new pitched roof replaced the existing flat roof deck, incorporating photovoltaic panels as part of a wider package of energy improvements. External wall insulation, thermally efficient replacement windows and upgraded heating systems significantly improved the performance of the existing fabric, helping bring the homes up to the Scottish Housing Quality Standard and contemporary energy-efficiency requirements.

The refurbishment also substantially changed how residents arrived at and moved through the development. Open access decks were enclosed, closes were reconfigured and new entrance porches, doors and security systems introduced. Individual sunspaces provided additional enclosed space to the flats, while internal improvements included new kitchens and bathrooms. Landscaping and revised refuse arrangements formed part of the wider changes to the estate.

The work at Burns Court combined fabric and energy upgrades with changes to access, security and shared spaces, extending the life of the existing housing while addressing some of the environmental issues that had contributed to anti-social behaviour within the development.