Half of building projects need to be retrofit projects to meet industry net zero targets.
Retaining, retro-fitting and intensifying the use of existing buildings is a key means to tackle the climate emergency whilst enhancing historical character and social and economic capital.
A very simple concept is to avoid building in the first place. This isn’t always practical, but should be the first investigation for any building: is there another existing building that could be repurposed? This could be a simple refurbishment, a strip back to the structure, or something in between.
The industry has the skills to extend the life of buildings to benefit from the embodied carbon in foundations and built fabric, giving renewed value to existing structures whilst upgrading services and accommodation to respond better to contemporary needs.
Our expertise in historic building conservation, alongside our research and knowledge of sustainable design, encourage and facilitate the creative re-use of buildings from all periods.
Examples of our refurbishment and creative reuse work include Middleport Pottery, University of Bristol Richmond Building, Murrays’ Mills, Southbank Centre, Alexandra Palace, Fareham Theatre and the School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh.
