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The case for retrofit
On the occasion of Avanti’s recent shortlisting for the 2023 AJ Retrofit Awards, the following sets out some key aspects of our approach in relation to the retrofit and adaptive re-use of 20th century buildings.
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There is an increased focus on retrofit and adaptive re-use of existing structures to meet the challenge of reducing embodied carbon in built environment projects – i.e. the carbon emissions associated with the production of construction materials. Increasingly, clients and built environment specialists acknowledge the need to assess carbon emissions as a whole through comprehensive Whole Life Carbon analysis.
Leading organisations such as LETI (Low Energy Transformation Initiative) have examined whole life carbon through case studies that demonstrate the significant impact that re-use of existing structures can have on emissions.
Modernising the modern
Twentieth century buildings represent a considerable pool of built assets in our towns and cities which are underperforming, costly to run and contributing to climate change. They are also often unloved by users and fail to represent the forward-thinking values of clients and users. Whilst the traditional approach to these buildings has been redevelopment, there is an increasing case for retaining and upgrade of these structures to deliver better outcomes to owners and meet carbon reduction commitments.
Avanti brings a unique perspective and range of skills developed over 40+ years of practice specialising in repair and adaptation of both listed and unlisted 20th century buildings. Our team has an in-depth understanding of how to reconfigure and expand these buildings to deliver more value and flexibility, address the key issues raised by ailing modern construction and transformative strategies to prolong building life in a way that is fundamentally sustainable. Our strategy also tackles brand & identity and the building’s relationship to public realm as a means of injecting wider public interest and benefit.
Our work across a wide range of sectors including education, health, culture & commercial, and also across listed and non-listed assets has allowed bespoke solutions to be developed for every type and nature of building. The following studies aim to demonstrate the broad range of our work.
