For the first of our series of brief discussion papers on sustainable design solutions and the built environment, we thought the subject of reducing the amount of new build (where retrofit is an option) would encourage some positive and constructive debate.

Of course, many of our cost consultant friends, and some industry naysayers would immediately say it’s more expensive to regenerate and repurpose existing buildings, rather than demolish and build new. Many would argue in a literal £ for £ basis they may be right, but we are supposed to be adopting Net Zero and carbon reduction processes, so what better way to reduce impact than re-use and re-purpose existing buildings? The critics may also say that risk is less when one replaces everything, including the building and site infrastructure.

Our team at ep architects have completed several historic building retrofits and every time the public, community, political and local authority reaction has been overwhelmingly supportive and positive, sometimes to the point of joyous!

Retaining historic and indeed many modern buildings which already contribute positively to the built realm and street scene can garner extremes of positive and negative reaction, but undoubtedly our experience is one of positivity. This positivity and contribution to people’s wellbeing must not be underestimated, which being based in an historic market town our team are very aware of whenever we start the design process on any project.

As with all projects which are not seen as the norm, the efforts and commitment of the design and construction team must have its champions to enable standards and targets to be achieved, but the sector has the skills and experience to reinvigorate disused and run-down buildings, even if we all have to remember or revisit past methods and combine with new technical and modern construction solutions. We find that collective, creative and collaborative thinking and working brings best results.

Re-use of materials and regional sourcing of everything we need for each project, including the labour to undertake the work are part of the reducing impact process and will deliver positive carbon gains seen very clearly in any assessment process. However, this needs a change in attitude and appetite if developers, investors and property owners are to adopt and retain existing structures rather than take a build new approach.

Whether regenerative or new build we would encourage all parties to adopt the use of building physics to inform the design and specification process, and always start with a “Fabric First” reducing energy consumption at source process. We would be delighted to talk with you about how this can improve the end result, be cost-effective, better for the building user and reduce our carbon impact as a result.

Please do not be afraid to ask questions and discuss, whether you agree or disagree!

ep architects

info@eparchitects.design