Case Study:
Standard Life
Standard Life were keen to refurbish Dundas House rather than to demolish and redevelop, this was not only as a benefit in terms of programme but also to be a greener approach to providing space. The building comprised a grade B listed building to the street, behind which was a1970’s building clad in yellow concrete brick and topped with a false mansard roof. BDG’s design enabled the existing courtyard, previously a garden, to be roofed over and an atrium space formed. This area is now the main thoroughfare for the building for both horizontal and vertical circulation, as well as providing natural light to offices around the atrium. Externally, the 1970’s element of the building was re-clad in a combination of metal panelling, glass, and stone to reflect the qualities of the Edinburgh environment.
The south facing façades have been designed to reduce sunlight penetration, thus reducing heat gain and glare, this in turn reducing plant and running costs. The north elevation is ribbon glazed to maximise natural daylight, thus reducing lighting running costs by six per cent.
The refurbishment received a British Council for Offices Best Corporate Office in Scotland award.
