Making it New Again

We've discussed commercial and residential architecture, and their many similarities and differences. This week we are going to discuss another unique form of architecture that has its own similarities and differences to new construction. This week we are going to be discussing retrofitting a building from its original state to a new building with a new use than what it was originally built for.

We have talked about commercial and residential constructions, but we are going to be tackling a new subject that has become quite popular lately, especially here in the Southeast. Thanks to the numerous old and historical buildings that pepper the Lowcountry, there is a whole blossoming market for this kind of construction. And what is this exciting form of construction? Retrofitting! In this form of construction and architecture, retrofitting does keep some if not all of its original bones and a lot of its original aspects. It takes an older building that has finished its story and turns it into a brand new building ready to tell a whole new story with a beautiful past.

Retrofitting a building can be a very in-depth process. You usually end up updating the building's plumbing, its heating and cooling systems, its safety codes, and are usually turning it from its original purpose into a brand new one. For example, turning what was once a home into a restaurant, or what was once a garage into a beauty salon. In many ways, it is very similar to remodeling, but it has rules of its own. In the long run, you are adding something new to the original building or structure. The goal is to improve the function of the building and to add large elements of updated technology.

Retrofitting can happen in both a residential or commercial sense. In a commercial use, its goal is to make the structure more efficient through updating its heating and cooling elements, making sure all health codes are up to date, installing a proper HVAC system, the windows are safely inspected or replaced, insulation is added or replaced, a better roof is added, and the whole support structure of the house is looked over very carefully. Many older buildings do have incredible strong bones that can withstand modern construction, but if anything is unsafe or will be unable to support the building's new uses, it will be replaced or reinforced. Many of the same elements go into creating a residential retrofitting. It needs to be brought up to speed to today's technology, meet health and safety codes, and structured in a way that fits the new family moving into the building.

One of the greatest things about retrofitting a structure is that it allows it to retain its historical integrity while being able to still compete in today's modern world. Today, a lot of retrofitting can make buildings more thermally efficient and sustainable. This can help with carbon emissions, make it easier and cheaper to run, and it can help with poor ventilation in a much older building.

Many historical gurus would much rather see these buildings restored to their former glory, but a lot of the time cost weighs in on this option. If you have the funds to do this, it's a very special experience turning the clocks back for these homes and restoring their glory. But retrofitting allows the history of the building to remain while providing a brand new use to the modern world, and it is much more affordable.

Retrofitting also gives back to the community. It doesn't have the wasteful process of total demolition, it has many environmental benefits, energy savings, and it re-purposes a place with special heritage. You are getting a glimpse of the past and giving purpose and character to the modern community the structure it is living in. It can invigorate a community and give it the opportunity for a fresh new life. It can help meet the growth and change of any community without getting rid of some of it's most important backbones.

Retrofitting is a beautifully unique form of architecture and one that we love being apart of. We hope you've enjoyed learning more about the many types of construction and architecture in these last three blogs and we look forward to sharing more with you soon!