Many architectural firms are always looking to the future, innovating and experimenting with new builds and unusual materials. However, while new builds and innovation are vital for the future of the profession, we are also committed to updating and improving historic properties in order to preserve them for the future, while bringing them up to date for modern life. This could involve retrofitting, which involves updating older buildings with modern fixtures, fittings and features to ensure they live up to modern standards.

Retrofitting may be carried out on existing buildings to boost their safety, for example, fitting lightning rods or new electrical systems to replace outdated ones. It can also mean upgrading a property to be more sustainable, for example by fitting solar panels or upgrading insulation to cut down on wasted energy. it can also be carried out for aesthetic reasons, boosting the appearance of historic buildings and creating new architecture from the bones of the old.

As there are many historic buildings in London, retrofitting is often pursued to boost energy efficiency and prevent them from falling into disrepair. The process requires a lot of thought and creativity but, when done correctly, it can turn old buildings into practical and useful properties without compromising their character. One recent case of retrofitting that is garnering some attention is the plan to retrofit Battersea Power Station with Tesla coils, which we mentioned in a previous blog.

London is home to an amazing array of architecture, and we are proud to be the architects London can depend on for their projects. We work on both new and existing builds, on both residential and commercial architecture, and can also service and retrofit existing properties and listed buildings, transforming them into beautiful and functional constructions.