Adaptive reuse refers to the process of retrofitting an existing building asset to serve a new purpose, using the existing structure and floor plates to provide a sustainable alternative to demolition and new construction there is a growing opportunity for established office towers to be repurposed to meet the changing demands of the modern workforce.
“Most commercial buildings have a lifespan of 50-60 years, and much of the stock in major Australian cities is coming to the end of this window.
This gives us a multitude of opportunities to breathe new life into these buildings and deliver innovative, contemporary commercial spaces designed to meet the current and future needs of 21st-century work.”
Working within the confines of an existing building can pose a number of challenges throughout the design process. Many aging assets require extensive structural remediation to meet current construction codes, while established floorplans and infrastructure offer limited flexibility in design compared to a new build.
Whilst the process can impose limitations; they are far outweighed by the environmental and social benefits. According to JLL Australia, adaptive reuse projects typically achieve carbon emission savings of 40%-70% compared to new projects, offering the construction industry, one of Australia’s largest polluters, a sustainable and future-focused solution to meet the demands of Australia’s growing population.
Through the preservation of facades and architectural features, adaptive reuse can also help maintain the cultural and historical value of prolific older buildings whilst maximising the social and commercial value of the asset in the modern market.