We champion a ‘Retrofit first’ approach here at Civic Engineers, which is why we’re proud to sponsor the NLA’s upcoming Retrofit Summit alongside shedkm.

The event will take part on 9^th October and you can find tickets here.

In the run up to the conference, our associate Rachael McClenan Fitton has shared her insights on all things retrofit and how successful long-term collaboration – such as our partnership with shedkm – can have a positive impact for placemaking, the environment and communities, in a piece first published by shedkm.

“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.”

Our friends at shedkm shared their thoughts on our shared story and aligned values:

“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.”