The UK is full of fantastic period buildings. There are some astonishing examples with rare details that deserve celebration. However, there are plenty of cases where these properties have not had the best care over the years. They may be in a poor state today or be unsuitable for modern needs. Luckily, the right project can transform many of the structures and give them new life. It can be one of the most effective options, especially for commercial architecture.

Updating period commercial buildings

A number of surprising things happened during and after the covid pandemic. The change to working from home for many was a big one. The biggest surprise though was how many people didn’t want to go back to traditional office working. In fact, there was a wave of resignations in various different industries. People had found they had more mobility and in many cases could have more say in terms of where they chose to work.

The whole situation also put into perspective that a lot of commercial architecture was massively behind the times. The buildings could be failing to offer what occupiers want in terms of the quality of the environment, wellness, and sustainability. The time of high density offices was definitely over.

However, this does not mean we need to take a bulldozer to every single building to make space for new offices to meet these demands. That would be incredibly wasteful and bad for the environment. It would also be a loss of some wonderful properties. Instead, they need careful refurbishment to transform them.

What to look at?

Many pieces of commercial architecture have a lot to offer when it comes to re-imagining them. For example, you could look at stripping back the interior and starting again. In some cases this can even reveal features that had previously been hidden by later additions. Removing things like drop ceilings can add more vertical height too, making spaces feel much bigger and more open.

An issue with some period buildings is they are clearly from a time when high density was fine. You don’t have to stick with the same size spaces though. In many cases extensions could be a viable option to expand them. You can even use them to add bold new details to exteriors. There are also cases when you can build an extension with low weight materials without the need to use any extra concrete or steel to reinforce. It can reduce the overall embodied carbon.

It is also important to save heritage assets where possible with commercial architecture. One challenge can be updating things like windows and doors to modern standards without losing originals full of charm and character. You should choose sympathetic new additions.

The thing to always keep in mind here is that refurbishing these period buildings is better in terms of the carbon costs. The properties can actually offer value over a much longer timescale than new builds too. This is because they are less likely to fall out of fashion.

Good designs can also maximise the environmental performance of these buildings. This is important to most occupiers today. It can provide a combination of modern convenience and green operation with period looks.

Ask us about commercial architecture

At Coffey Architects we know just how stunning commercial properties can be. Whether it is a hyper modern spacious new build or a careful refurb, you just need a great design that suits the end user. You should also make sure the exterior is stunning.

If you are thinking about a commercial architecture project, we would love to work with you on it. Get in touch today to tell us more.