Strathbungo Tenement Renovations

Southside Housing Association appointed MAST to lead the refurbishment of 27 tenement flats across eight closes in Govanhill and Strathbungo. The project formed part of a wider acquisition programme supported by Glasgow City Council, with the immediate aim of bringing vacant and recently acquired homes back into use and the longer-term objective of improving the performance and resilience of the wider tenement stock.

Each property was assessed individually, reflecting significant variation in layout, condition and previous alteration. Works included new kitchens and bathrooms, heating, electrics and windows, alongside layout changes, structural repairs and treatment of rot, asbestos and other property-specific issues.

The project also provided an opportunity to explore a more considered retrofit approach to traditional tenement housing. Each home was audited against Housing for Varying Needs, the Glasgow Standard, SHQA and EESSH requirements, helping identify both immediate improvements and measures that would require a more comprehensive building-wide strategy.

Fabric upgrades included improved airtightness, internal wall insulation and enhanced floor and roof insulation, with some homes improving from EPC Band E to Band B. This work helped demonstrate how retrofit can reduce energy demand, improve comfort and extend the useful life of existing tenement properties while retaining the character of the original buildings.

A phased handover allowed completed homes to be allocated to tenants as soon as they became available. The approach subsequently informed further commissions for Southside Housing Association across Pollokshields, Strathbungo and Govanhill, extending the retrofit strategy to additional tenement properties.