Adaptive Reuse Construction: Give Your Building a New Lease on Life
What is Adaptive Reuse?
Adaptive reuse is simply a very specific type of construction. It is the process of taking an existing structure and updating or adapting it for a new use or purpose.
Adaptive reuse, by design, is a type of renovation. While general renovations are typically limited to repairing and/or refinishing a building - maintaining the building’s original purpose - adaptive reuse is a transformation of use. The goal is to extend the useful life of a building, oftentimes preserving architectural integrity.
Adaptive Reuse in Commercial Construction
Commonly in commercial construction, the goal is to specifically improve the functionality of the building - while making financial and sustainable sense - by adding new technology, building systems, and/or equipment. This type of project often makes sense when specific types of businesses have moved or closed, leaving a unique structure or design that was made for a specific industry or needs. An adaptive reuse or retrofit project will allow a new owner or tenant to update a building that will enable the structure to be used in an entirely new way. For example, turning an old manufacturing plant into multi-family housing or mixed-use spaces.
Some adaptive reuse projects focus on social good. Some are focused on sustainability or preservation. No matter the catalyst, some of the most common elements involved in an adaptive reuse project include:
Making a building more efficient through updated heating and A/C, improved windows, or new insulation.
Rooftop updates for commercial buildings may improve the life expectancy of a structure's roof and offer lower-maintenance.
Seismic updates improve a structure's ability to handle earthquakes or ground motion.
Finding the Right Partner
Commercial construction contractors with experience in adaptive reuse are critical from the very beginning. An experienced contractor can help determine a budget, determine which building materials are suitable for the project, handle permits, follow historical restoration best practices, and manage subcontractors being used for skilled or niche labor. The right contractor can ensure flexibility, consider all of the building materials taken from the original structure and help determine how you can reuse them in the new building plan. What’s more, they can determine how the historical features can be preserved and even highlighted.
As long as there is new technology to improve commercial buildings, the adaptive reuse opportunities will continue to grow. Everyone from architects and developers, to owners and builders could benefit from more restoration, retrofit and adaptive reuse work.
Your Next Project
While not all commercial construction contractors are willing to tackle adaptive reuse projects, we are happy to take on the challenge. Do you have an adaptive reuse project you’re looking for help with? Contact us today to learn more about how Green Heart Enterprises can help!