Michelle Ludik, Principal and Regional Leader of Heritage and Adaptive Re-use at HOK reflects on reworking and retrofitting offices.

The idea of reworking and retrofitting offices may not be new, but it is more important now than ever before. 

 

It is estimated that three quarters of office buildings in the City and West End will not meet incoming EPC standards by 2030. The carbon cost of demolition is simply too high and so we must continue to prioritise a retrofit first approach. Added to this, in a highly competitive labour market businesses need to 'earn the commute' by creating workspaces where people want and choose to be.  

 

All of this means we will see more examples of older offices being reworked to meet modern requirements. In doing this, we are acknowledging that the role and function of the office has changed dramatically, and this has only accelerated since the pandemic. There has been a move away from the traditional cellular layout to flexible open spaces with better sightlines that create a feeling of community. In addition, modern workplace design recognises the diversity of office work, with ‘huddle’ spaces, breakout areas, quiet zones and shared co-working spaces that are all technology enabled. 

 

The ‘experience’ of users was not a primary consideration when first generation offices were built, but today it is paramount. The pandemic has forced many professions to reconsider their approach to wellness and mental wellbeing, and we are now seeing the response in workplace design with more on-site health and wellness amenities, refuelling stations and specialised spaces like meditation and mothering rooms. HOK has also undertaken extensive research on how to design space for ‘hyper-sensitive’ users – including those on the autism spectrum and those with ADHD– by injecting daylight, living walls, plants, natural materials and elements, as well as through the use of texture, furnishing and colour. 

 

This can often all be delivered within an existing office building, assuming there is the requisite floor-to-ceiling height. Our London studio in collaboration with real estate developer Atenor has recently obtained planning approval on a deep retrofit of a 1960s office block located near Blackfriars Station that will retain 75% of the existing structure, embed nature on every floor and add outdoor terraces for work and relaxation. 

 

As well as saving on embodied carbon, through the integration of technology you can also make older offices more operationally efficient. HOK proactively encourages our clients to embrace long-term data harvesting regarding energy consumption, water usage and reduction, as well as maintenance to refine sustainability strategies. Advancements in technology, such as augmented reality, virtual reality, AI and the Internet of Things will play a crucial role in enhancing office efficiency and employee experience further.

 

As a heritage architect I am passionate about retaining character.  The texture of the existing building is not only aesthetically rich and layered, it also conveys history. This is appealing to businesses that value authenticity and have a clear sense of social purpose. Retrofitting offices is not only the right thing to do from a sustainability perspective, but also a way of creating workspaces that are truly unique.