Our architectural philosophy has always centred around honesty in design, where structure and services are celebrated as an integral part of the aesthetic. This ethos naturally extends beyond new build projects into the realm of retrofit, where the character of the existing structure plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall space. Our approach is rooted in the belief that the bones of a building – its inherent capabilities and history – can and should be embraced, preserved, and enhanced rather than erased. As sponsors of the NLA Retrofit Conference on the 9th October – where our Directors Mark and Hazel will be presenting alongside Civic Engineers, we’re taking a deeper dive into our retrofit ethos, and how collaboration is key…
Our retrofit journey began with the regeneration of urban areas where cost constraints often drove us to explore creative alternatives. Rather than opting for the expense and environmental impact of demolition and new foundations, we found value in retaining and repurposing existing structures. These early projects included converting factories into workspaces and transforming historic mills into residential developments. Over time, this approach evolved further. Today, we find ourselves repurposing office buildings into affordable housing or new forms of workspaces, reflecting the shifting demands of post-COVID society. Shopping centres, once symbols of retail dominance, are being transformed into mixed-use environments where amenity and community are prioritised over desk space. Our vision for the future is retrofit on a larger, more holistic scale – transforming neighbourhoods while retaining their character and historical significance, breathing new life into communities through thoughtful and sustainable design.
The success of our retrofit projects is in large part due to our strong relationships with engineers who share our commitment to creative, practical solutions. Historically, we have worked closely with engineers such as Curtins, Joule, Arup and WML Consulting. More recently, we have collaborated with Whitby Wood and Civic Engineers, along with many others, who have contributed to our growing portfolio of ambitious retrofit projects.
Our partnership with Civic Engineers is particularly noteworthy for its longevity and shared values. Both shedkm and Civic Engineers were born in the North of England, and while our practices have grown to serve clients nationally, our Northern roots remain a vital part of our identity. We are united by our dedication to quality placemaking, environmental responsibility, and discerning conservation when it comes to preserving and enhancing a building’s structure.
As joint sponsors and key speakers at the upcoming NLA Retrofit Conference, we caught up with Rachael McClenan Fitton, Associate at Civic Engineers, to hear her perspective on this fruitful partnership:
“For me, the beauty of retrofit is taking existing buildings that still have great historical or cultural value, and repurposing them to give them new life. Retrofit can apply to all buildings and spaces, from heritage sites to commercial high-rise buildings, public spaces and residential, whether they are in use, vacant or derelict.
It is all about adapting and making a space work so that it can be used today, but also conserving and maintaining its heritage. There really are so many possibilities to reusing the great existing stock we already have. We can look to retain the façade of a structure, add a new extension or blue/green infrastructure, or replace a roof, for example. The greenest building is the one that is already built, and retrofitting is critical if we want to address the embodied carbon in the built environment in response to the climate crisis.
Retrofit represents opportunity. Repurposing what already stands in our towns and cities is more sustainable and means we can draw on existing infrastructure, such as transport links, schools and hospitals. The power of place and community cannot be underestimated, and retrofitting in this way means we can meet the Government’s housing and development ambitions while focussing on quality and community making.
One of the challenges we face when it comes to retrofit is getting buildings up to modern standards, particularly when it comes to things like heating, fire safety standards, energy efficiency and thermal ratings. In the past, buildings weren’t made using the same materials and technologies that we have today, and their original purpose differs from current lifestyles and needs.
This is where collaboration between architects, engineers and the wider project team really comes into its own. As with so many of our projects, there are many different disciplines and specialisms that need to come together. Pooling all the knowledge we collectively have really helps us to adapt and deliver a successful project.
Space constraints are another frequent challenge, so sharing findings with each other from the start and coordinating on factors like beam depth and model drawings is really key.
shedkm is known for being highly collaborative. The team proactively gather detailed information about a site and communicate that with us, sharing options for the ways we can respond with impacts, innovation and a variety of ideas.
We’ve walked through past sites together at the earliest opportunity which really helps us to visualise what we’re working with. Both engineers and architects will play a major role in advocating for retrofit, particularly as the demand for sustainable and adaptive reuse of buildings grows. The scale of the challenge is immense, with many barriers preventing wider uptake of retrofit, including the perception that the cost will outweigh the practicalities.
Together, it’s our responsibility to tell stories and call for greater transparency to help the wider industry to understand that retrofit can happen and it can work, and trumpet the positive impact it can bring. It’s about getting the buy in from developers and the Government, and demonstrating that this is the way forward by sharing the different ways existing building stock can be reimagined.”
As we look to the future, shedkm’s focus on retrofit will continue to evolve. The challenge ahead is not just about retaining and enhancing the structural elements of a building but also about reinventing entire neighbourhoods, breathing new life into underutilised spaces while preserving their unique character. Our goal is to create environments that serve both the immediate needs of today and the broader environmental and social objectives of tomorrow.
The role of retrofit in architecture is expanding, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this movement. By partnering with forward-thinking partners and respecting the history embedded in the structures we work with, we aim to create spaces that balance heritage with modernity, ensuring that the communities we build are not only functional but also vibrant and enduring.