As Architects we have a responsibility to encourage clients and developers to retain and regenerate existing buildings rather than demolish and build new. Each and every site and situation is unique, so there are often restrictors that make retention a very difficult and often expensive option. The sustainable and reduced Carbon benefits are huge.

Here at ep architects, we take pride in prioritising the regeneration of our historic buildings and work hard to repurpose and find modern day use for neglected sites. This is perfectly demonstrated by our work regenerating Railway Station buildings that have often been left boarded up for 50 years or more.

Essential to doing so is having a team of people similarly focussed and with the skills and knowledge required to buy-in to this approach and then deliver a suitably sensitive and age-appropriate treatment on site. For instance, we often find there is huge confusion regards “Breathable” building fabric and construction, it is not that the skills are not available, simply that we need to remind our construction colleagues of how they would have done things in years past.

The fact that most Victorian or older buildings are incredibly well built often assists in the decision process of how and whether we retain or replace. This along with compliance with any listing, local conservation policy and community / public support for retention is another essential factor. You can be assured in most situations that the local community is passionate about regenerating the existing and highly opposed to its demolition and replacement.

Retrofitting rather than replacing buildings is gaining momentum and support, not least when one can replan an existing building and rationally re-design to release space and alter the interior to achieve far more useable purpose. This has been the case on several of our projects and through well thought through process has saved the client significant funds versus demolition and replacement. One should also consider extension and reconfiguration as part of the review process as often this can negate any or many of the reasons our client is considering a new build ahead of regenerative / retention approach.

When dealing with deep retrofit the work involved can be complex and we are applying EnerPHit principles wherever feasible. This is a certification process to Passivhaus standard on existing buildings, resulting in a building with virtually no energy bills and a building which exceeds all other levels of construction certification. Please do not be scared by such an approach as the benefits far out way the challenges and we will begin to see evermore projects adopting this industry leading standard.

As already mentioned the public can be incredibly vocal and passionate regards the subject and choice between regeneration or demolition and replacement. This has been very clearly and directly demonstrated on some of the Historic Railway Building projects our team are working on. Particularly when undertaking public consultation, the overwhelming support for this work and intention to regenerate is incredibly well received by not just the local residents, but by Councillors, Local Groups and local authorities when seeking support and applying for change of use, and related planning and building regulation approvals. We find that support is massively positive and can also influence fundraising and other activities needed to make such projects happen.

If you have ownership or management of any buildings and need advice as to regeneration or replacement please contact us at ep architects and we would be delighted to arrange a meeting to discuss. info@eparchitects.design