Retrofit isn’t just a sustainable option, it is becoming a planning and reputational necessity. With 70% of the buildings that will exist in 2050 already standing, the future of architecture hinges on how we adapt and reuse what we’ve already built.

In their recent presentation during Digital Construction Week, our Thrive and Works team leaders Ellen Willis and Sagal Rooble explored how retrofit can deliver major sustainability gains, from cutting embodied carbon to enhancing climate resilience.

At Chetwoods, our unique holistic approach, driven by our three brand elements: Studio, Thrive and Works, and Chetwoods' 7 Sustainable Design Drivers, ensures imagination, digital innovation, and holistic sustainability are embedded throughout every project.

Ellen and Sagal also introduced our new free Retrofit 1-Pager, a practical framework based on our extensive knowledge and experience, for identifying the right strategy across four common development scenarios: new build, deconstruction and rebuild, part retrofit, and full retrofit.

Digital tools are at the heart of our retrofit thinking. From BIM and LiDAR to digital twins and material passports, we use technology to understand existing buildings, optimise design decisions, and prepare assets for a smarter future.

The session also touched on our work with circular materials, industry collaborations on reuse, and case studies from adaptive reuse projects that have been recognised for their impact.

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Please click here to download the Retrofit 1-Pager.