Retrofit and Densification
by Ashley Barley
As land becomes increasingly scarce and the urgency of addressing the climate crisis grows, the evolution of our existing towns and cities takes on critical importance. Urban densification and the retrofitting of existing buildings are at the forefront of contemporary architectural imperatives. These approaches are underscored by recent governmental commitments to reform the planning system, aiming to make better use of brownfield sites within our urban areas and their surrounding green belts.
Urban densification, when done thoughtfully, can address many of the environmental and social challenges our towns and cities face today. Instead of expanding outwards into undeveloped land, we should increasingly be looking at ways to retrofit and extend existing buildings. This approach helps preserve our historical and cultural heritage while fostering more sustainable and lively urban environments. The insights of urban thinkers like Jane Jacobs and Richard Sennett shed light on how cities can thrive through this kind of sensitive densification.
The Engine House in Bedminster reused the entire foundations and ground floor structure of the original 1970s building. It was previously a supermarket and car accessories business, with substantial load bearing capacity. Our proposal added a lightweight steel frame atop the original structure which was clad with brick and tiles. Light wells form a series of courtyards for each of the 9 flats within this completely reimagined building. The project avoided the need for complete demolition, saving all of the embodied carbon within the original super structure.
Jane Jacobs, in her influential book "The Death and Life of Great American Cities," argued that the vitality of cities comes from their complexity and diversity. She believed that cities should be dense and full of varied interactions. Retrofitting existing buildings fits perfectly with Jacobs' vision, as it maintains the intricate urban fabric that supports community interaction and economic activity.
Richard Sennett, in works like "The Uses of Disorder" and "Building and Dwelling," also emphasizes the importance of managing urban complexity. Sennett sees cities as places where different uses and people coexist in a dynamic balance. He argues that this complexity is what makes urban life rich and engaging. By adding layers to the urban landscape without wiping out the past, sensitive densification through retrofitting and extension adds to this complexity.
Environmentally, retrofitting existing buildings is a win. It reduces the carbon footprint linked to construction because tearing down old buildings and putting up new ones requires a lot of energy and materials. Retrofitting keeps the embodied energy of existing structures and cuts down on waste from demolition. Plus, it reduces the demand for new construction materials, which often have high environmental costs.
Upgrading the energy efficiency of buildings through retrofitting is another big plus. Adding insulation, modernising heating and cooling systems, and installing energy-efficient windows can significantly lower a building's energy use. This approach can play a crucial role in reducing the overall energy demand of cities and combating climate change.
The clients' original plan was to knock down and replace the existing house, but after completing a feasibility study it was deemed that retrofitting was a better option.
The site is in a conservation area which opposes the demolition of existing buildings, and maintaining and retrofitting the existing building rather than demolishing it will be vastly better in terms of environmental impact.
Socially, retrofitting and extending buildings help enhance the sense of community and place. Many existing buildings have historical and cultural significance that new constructions can't replicate. Preserving and adapting these buildings helps maintain neighbourhood character and fosters a sense of continuity and identity among residents. Sensitive densification can also promote social equity by increasing the housing supply within existing urban areas, providing more affordable options without pushing people to the suburbs.
The challenge lies in balancing innovation with preservation. Architects and planners need to navigate the complexities of modern needs while respecting the significance of existing structures. This requires a deep understanding of the built environment around any project and a commitment to engaging with local communities, things that Barefoot Architects prides itself on.
In short, retrofitting and extending existing buildings offers a way to achieve sustainable and vibrant urban densification. By embracing the complexity that thinkers like Jane Jacobs and Richard Sennett advocate, cities can create environments that are environmentally responsible and socially inclusive. Sensitive densification not only preserves the past but also builds a resilient and dynamic future for urban life.
Take a look at Barefoot Architects’ retrofit projects here.