What is the difference between adaptive reuse and renovation?

Renovation involves repairing, improving or updating existing buildings to give them a new lease on life. Adaptive reuse or building conversion goes further, by also changing the use of outmoded buildings and infrastructure that may otherwise be left empty and neglected, so they can be reused for a new purpose. 

We assess existing buildings and structures to see if adaptive reuse is feasible and develop appropriate solutions that support our clients’ goals. Examples of our adaptive reuse projects include transforming an old industrial building into a world class science centre and a bleak 1970s block into next generation offices and retail spaces. 

What are the benefits of adaptive reuse?

Adaptive reuse enables buildings that are no longer fit for their original purpose to be transformed for a new need. This is often a solution for derelict or underused buildings, or assets at risk of becoming stranded because they don’t meet modern building standards or market expectations.

Reusing existing buildings is an opportunity to maintain their architectural, historic and cultural significance including old buildings with character that may not be listed but still have value to a community. Repurposing their structures retains their embodied carbon and reduces waste and the noise, dust and traffic associated with demolition and new build, while upgrading them also provides an opportunity to improve their operational performance. Making these improvements, while also changing the use of the building, may give it better long-term prospects if the building’s current use is outmoded.

Adaptive reuse projects are changing how the built environment is developed – making the most of what already exists to create something better for the future. 

What are the challenges of adaptive reuse?

Adaptive reuse projects often require a fine balance between renovating and upgrading a building to meet modern building standards and user needs, versus preserving as much of its architectural fabric as possible. Every project is unique and will be subject to different regulations and approvals. We can advise our clients and design partners from the earliest stage, identifying opportunities for transformation and supporting planning applications, developing design and engineering solutions, and helping to deliver the final scheme. 

Working with existing buildings often comes with challenges linked to the existing structure and materials. For example, their ceilings may need adapting to house modern building services, or they may contain hazardous materials like asbestos that need specialist removal. Our experts have the experience to foresee potential problems and support our clients in managing changes to the design or programme should unexpected issues arise onsite. 

The best adaptive reuse projects work with the existing building, rather than against it. The creativity is in how the design of the building and its architectural fabric can be repurposed for a different use, while meeting the practical challenges involved. For example, it’s structure may need strengthening to allow new floors to be added. 

What is adaptive reuse of heritage buildings?

Buildings with historic and cultural significance for individuals and communities play a vital role in society. These buildings are often heritage-listed or protected by law. Adaptive reuse is not appropriate for all heritage buildings, but in certain cases, repurposing a heritage building for a new use can be beneficial. For example, an empty building created for a use that’s no longer needed, such as a redundant industrial building, when giving it a new purpose will enable it to be restored and reused. 

Our buildings and heritage experts work closely with our clients to conserve and restore the original fabric of heritage buildings and their surroundings, while carefully adapting them for a change of use. From sensitive retrofits for energy and water efficiency, to the upgrades needed to meet modern building standards and user expectations. 

How can adaptive reuse of old buildings contribute to achieving Net Zero?

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it takes around 65 years for a new energy efficient building to save the energy lost by demolishing a comparable existing building. 

Existing buildings can often be retrofitted with new resource-efficient building services and smart building management systems, to optimize their energy and water use and improve their environmental performance. 

Adapting outmoded buildings and infrastructure will enable them to be reused and repurposed – saving the embodied carbon associated with demolition and building new replacements.