Retrofit
At Footprint Architects we recognise the value in our existing buildings. Retrofit offers one of the best opportunities to improve the environment in our towns and cities and reduce the carbon footprint of our current buildings. The construction industry is the largest producer of carbon emissions. So in a time of a climate emergency, retrofitting presents multiple sustainable building benefits and provides a way to reduce the carbon emissions of the sector.
Why Retrofit an Existing Building?
The embodied carbon of associated with a new build can be as much as twice that of retrofitting an existing building. The structure of a building typically accounts for a significant portion of its embodied carbon, often ranging from 50% to 70%. Production of new concrete and steel typically has some of the highest levels of embodied carbon. So why replace a buildings structure if you don’t need to?
A good retrofit and renovation can prevent health risks from damp or mouldy environments, reduce fuel poverty and can make our existing buildings sustainable for the future.
Our Expertise in Retrofit
Our architects have worked extensively with existing heritage buildings, adapting them for exciting new uses and maximising their potential. Such as transforming Bobby’s in Bournemouth, an existing former department store to offer an experience-led shopping experience within a nostalgic aesthetic.
How do you Retrofit a Building?
1.
We prioritise passive sustainable design principles to improve the existing building envelope and reduce heat loss. This includes;
- Adding additional breathable, non-combustible insulation with low embodied carbon.
- Improving airtightness
Upgrading draughty windows for new high performance, triple glazed windows
2.
Finding clever ways to introduce new natural daylight or solar shading to reduce the reliance on artificial lighting and carbon intensive cooling systems.
3.
Upgrade the mechanical and electrical services to make them more energy efficient. Such as:
- Refurbishing old light fittings with sustainable LED lighting. Our Lush factory refurbishment in Poole uses refurbished industrial light fittings to create a bold new aesthetic.
- Improved insulation means that new heating systems can often be made smaller.
- Use of mechanical ventilation systems with heat recovery (MVHR) to minimise heat loss and improve air quality.
- Addition of solar PV where possible to reduce operational carbon emissions.
- Use of modern building management systems that can carefully analyse and control heating and cooling systems based on building usage. It is important that these systems are not only intuitive, but easy to use and understand by building occupants.
4.
Use of natural building materials to create healthy environments and improve indoor air quality, such as internal timber cladding to reduce the need for high VOC paint finishes. We prioritise the use of locally sourced, sustainable building products with low embodied carbon where possible.
Our Retrofit Projects
A Historic Renovation of a Grade II Listed Building into an Uplifting Coworking Space
An award-winning modern farmhouse refurbishment, barn conversion and house extension to a Grade II Listed house
Refurbishment and Retrofit of Former Debenhams Building into a Thriving Mixed-used Development
Retrofitting our existing buildings and making them more energy efficient is vital if the UK is to meet our 2050 net zero carbon targets. At Footprint Architects, all of our new buildings are designed to be flexible, with longevity and robustness in mind. This makes them ideal for future retrofit and reuse.
Get Your Project Off The Ground
Get in touch today to kick-start your project. Let us know a few details and we’ll be in touch to discuss bringing your vision to life.
