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] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Alteration work.
- 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's HESPR Pick this week: Transform church into community centre
The IHBC Director's top pick this week: an opportunity to transform a church into a community centre of environmental awareness, valued £555k, closing 25/11.
Construction urged to do more for butterflies and bees, via SNH
SNH has published new guidance on how best to fit pollinators into urban design and construction with a series of easy steps to suit all project budgets and sizes.
Applications now open for the Sustainability Scholarship for 2020: Closing 29/11
Applications are invited for the Sustainability Scholarship 2020, with successful applicants to receive £3000, support and mentoring from experts, and closing 29 November.
Government asked to save plans for Queensbury tunnel cycle
It was hoped the 1.4 mile (2.3km) Victorian Queensbury Tunnel could be used by cyclists travelling between Bradford and Halifax, but plans have been threatened.
Case Study in Durham Cathedral: Project Managment and Building Services Challenges
Completing works that widened public access to the hidden architectural spaces and collections of Durham Cathedral showcases exceptional project management.
Autumn clamp down on dust by HSE – site visits planned
This month HSE is carrying out its latest construction inspection initiative with a focus in particular on measures in place to protect workers from occupational lung disease caused by asbestos, silica, wood and other dusts when carrying out common construction tasks.
Public property hubs to be delivered in Birmingham and Peterborough
Peterborough and Birmingham are the latest places to benefit from the Government Hubs programme to regenerate city centre sites.
Banksy graffiti taken off Grade II listed Yorkshire bridge facing dismantling
Graffiti by Banksy has been taken off a bridge in Hull as the Grade II (GII) listed Scott Street bridge itself faces dismantling.
The Liverpool Grade II ‘jewel’ that lies empty, derelict and vandalised
Liverpool landmark the Everton Library, a Grade II (GII) listed building that has been the focus of calls to restore it to its former glory continues to lie leaking, vandalised and derelict, when £5m could renovate the building, reports The Liverpool Echo.
Flintshire: Shotton steelworks’ John Summers building to be restored
A landmark on a list of the UK’s most endangered buildings, Shotton steelworks’ Grade II-listed general office and clock tower, is to be brought back to life in Flintshire.