Refurbishment
Refurbishment is a term used to describe a process of improvement by cleaning, decorating and re-equipping. It may also include elements of retrofitting with the aim of making a building more energy efficient and sustainable.
As a broad term, refurbishment is often used interchangeably with renovation or restoration (which is to do with restoring a building to its former condition). In general, refurbishment can encompass such works as ‘cosmetic’ renovations (such as painting and decorating), upgrading, major repair work, alterations, conversions, extensions and modernisations.
The lifecycle of a building can be significantly extended by effective refurbishment. As every building is unique, not only structurally, technically and typologically, but also in local context, the correct approach to refurbishment should be assessed according to the particular conditions.
Architects should seek to understand the actual uses of existing buildings and communicate with diverse stakeholders from the initial project phase to the end of the refurbishment.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Building an extension.
- CIBSE Case Study Angel Building Refurbishment.
- CIBSE Case Study Thamesmead Estate Refurbishment.
- Conservation of the historic environment.
- Decoration.
- Façade retention.
- Licence to alter.
- Loft conversion.
- Making good.
- National Refurbishment Centre.
- Permitted development.
- Point Cloud modeling considerations for M&E in refurbishment projects.
- Pre-demolition and pre-refurbishment audits.
- Remedial works.
- Renovation.
- Renovation v refurbishment v retrofit.
- Restoration.
- Retrofit.
IHBC NewsBlog
IHBC South Branch Conference - Yearning for Timelessness
The conference on October 26 will look at ‘Modern architecture in historic settings’ with expert talks and site visits offering top-notch CPD with exceptional settings.
Don’t forget your free IHBC CPD & more for members and colleagues: 27 Oct, Edinburgh (Book ahead for free entry) with IHBC Scotland.
Topical CPD focusing on curtilage
IHBC East Midlands branch will be hosting an afternoon with Charles Mynors, the leading authority on heritage law, on Friday 9 November in the Lincoln City Council Chamber.
IHBC Belfast School Context now out
‘Our shared heritage’, with thanks to all, including Main School Sponsor and HESPR member ‘Heritage Collective’.
Lincolnshire local authority’s ‘national first’ offers a new approach to Conservation Area controls – two Article 4 Directions with a Local Development Order (LDO).
IHBC’s Policy Chair Roy Lewis notes the award of costs against Lambeth Council in a recent appeal which emphasises the importance of doing site visits!
IHBC - VAT reminder - LPOC Campaign 10K target signatures
Sign the LPOC’s petition to the Chancellor if you agree with the IHBC, that ‘…it is perverse that repairs should be subject to VAT when new development is not’.
IHBC HESPR top pick from £205K+ costed work this week
Braintree DC seeks Conservation Area Appraisals – closing 26/10, valued £10-25,000.
COTAC, the Council on Training in Architectural Conservation, seeks trustees with notes of interest by 15 November.
FMB says MAC recommendations would cripple construction
The Migration Advisory Committee’s recommendations for new immigration policy post-Brexit, would cripple the construction industry, says Federation of Master Builders.
New government investment aimed at overcoming barriers to building in England
Government has established investment to tackle issues on potential housing sites and get homes built in parts of England where they may be most needed.
IHBC Heritage from the doorstep
The Evening Standard has reported that an architect has been ordered to tear down award winning £4.65m home in Clerkenwell.
HE National Capacity Building Programme launched – closing 4/11
Historic England has launched the programme for projects running for 1 year max with a deadline for submitting grant applications 4/11/18 and funding to begin from 1/04/19.
Planning (Scotland) Bill – Briefing by BEFS
Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) has issued a briefing on the Planning (Scotland) Bill.
England’s youngest Civic Society chair elected to Birmingham Civic Society
26 year old Amelia Ladbrooke has been elected as the chair of Birmingham Civic Society, and is the youngest ever Civic Society chair in England.
Ulster Architectural Heritage (UAH) and Food NI invite you to BAKE A BUILDING for the Big Building Bake Off at St. George’s Market, 29 October 12-3pm.