Retrofit and adaptive re-use strategies

The approach to retention and conversion of existing structures may be driven by a number of factors as summarised below. The overall approach will be shaped by a process of balancing these key factors.

Embodied carbon and circular economy

Reductions in embodied carbon can be achieved by retaining existing structures and materials. Re-use of foundations and primary structure will have the greatest impact. This can be expanded to take on board a wider circular economy strategy of re-use of building elements.

Performance upgrade

The retrofit strategy can enhance performance across a wide range of areas including thermal upgrade, reducing annual in-use CO2 emissions, environmental comfort, enhanced spatial configuration and wider design impacts including accessibility, appearance and identity.

Conservation strategies

The conservation strategy will depend on assessment of heritage value where conservation expertise will be required to ensure that the overall strategy is sympathetic to heritage features. A technical assessment will also be required to ensure that techniques adopted align with the requirements of the original fabric.

Whole life cost

An overall assessment of cost of delivery, operational/whole life cost and benefits including enhanced user or tenant satisfaction will be required. This will factor into a wider understanding of the benefits of retrofit compared to new build strategy - often retrofit can be delivered to lower cost and to a shorter delivery programme.