In the build up to the Retrofit Summit, we will be bringing together an article series from across the built environment industry to showcase the potential of adaptive reuse.

In an era focused on adaptive reuse, Galliard Homes and Chetwoods Architects’ conversion of 73–75 The Strand into Staycity’s Wilde Aparthotel showcases the potential of retrofitting and repurposing older structures to meet modern demands for space and sustainability.

Amid growing emphasis on carbon reduction and the need to prioritise the retrofitting of existing buildings, the refurbishment and conversion of 73–75 The Strand in London exemplified the potential of adaptive reuse within the built environment. This project highlighted how strategic retrofitting can not only preserve but also enhance the functionality and value of older structures, aligning with broader industry conversations on the importance of making better use of existing urban fabric.

Located within the Trafalgar Square Conservation Area, the refurbishment and conversion project at 73–75 The Strand, London, undertaken by Chetwoods Architects and Galliard Homes for Aparthotel operator Staycity, demonstrated the successful retrofitting and repurposing of an existing building into a modern Aparthotel. 

The completed scheme delivered 106 new studio apartments across nine floors, with restaurant and retail space at both street and upper basement levels. This transformation capitalised on a previous planning consent for upgraded office accommodation to reclad the building’s dilapidated facades with new high-quality materials, including natural stone, bronze anodized aluminium curtain walling, full height double glazed units and zinc mansard with flush glazing units to meet the specific requirements of an Aparthotel.

Whilst retaining the existing concrete encased steel frame and pot & beam floor slabs of the existing 1920s office building (extended in the 1990s), and increasing the building height with a new penthouse level, Chetwoods’ innovative approach to the retrofit enabled the creation of 23 additional apartments beyond the original Gross Internal Area (GIA). The design team implemented a series of strategic solutions, freeing up space for seven additional new apartments within the main footprint of the existing building. The addition of the new penthouse level added three more apartments, while converting basement -2 into habitable space using the dark hotel model to provide an additional 13 units beyond that initially envisaged.

Significant thermal improvements to the existing building fabric were achieved with enhanced ‘U’-Values, and low and zero carbon technologies were incorporated, with the reduction of CO2 emissions measured through an SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model).

The major energy consuming systems are monitored using a BEMS (Building Energy Management System) which connects to space heating, domestic hot water, humidification, cooling, fans, lighting, small power and other major energy consuming items, all identifiable to the building user through data outputs.

The smart system is an all-in-one platform that connects various functions, from door locking to water supply and energy consumption.  The system is fully integrated whilst also linked up to hotel facilities managers with dashboard for monitoring,

As a whole, the outcome drastically improves the quality of the accommodation to the upper floors, along with improving the reception area and the active frontage to both the Strand and Adam Street contributing positively to the existing townscape.

This project not only demonstrates the potential of retrofitting existing structures for modern use but also showcases how thoughtful design to repurpose an existing building can significantly enhance the utility and value of an older building.