Make better use of what is already built. Explore retrofit, conservation and lower-carbon design through conversations, practical guidance and skills you can use in practice.
39:17Latest conversation
Simon Vernon-Harcourt discusses historic building conversions and the decisions involved in bringing existing buildings into new use.
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More conversations
Podcast · Episode 0234 · 39:12
Jonathan Goode explores how existing buildings can adapt to new uses while keeping what makes them valuable. A practical introduction to heritage, conservation and working with constraints.
Podcast · Episode 0209 · 42:53
James Rixon discusses retrofit, low-energy buildings and making sustainability central to an architecture practice. Hear how those priorities shape the work and the conversations with clients.
Podcast · Episode 0208 · 32:33
Michael Woodford discusses sustainable design at White Arkitekter and the role architecture can play in supporting more sustainable ways of living.
Podcast · Episode 0197 · 32:34
Chris Atkins discusses engineering, sustainability and the decisions behind more environmentally responsible design.
Podcast · Episode 0188 · 39:17
Pradumn Pamidighantam discusses Holbein Gardens and the sustainability thinking behind the project at Barr Gazetas.
Podcast · Episode 0022 · 42:22
Emma Walshaw explores the development of First in Architecture, including learning resources on Passive House and construction detailing.
Reading & tools
Choose a useful next step from what you’ve heard.
Retrofit guidance · LETI
Use LETI’s Climate Emergency Retrofit Guide to explore fabric, energy, ventilation and comfort together. Its quick-start guidance and housing examples offer a practical way into the subject.
Career guide
Identify the project decisions, material choices and constraints you can explain in an application. Start with the careers guide, then use the skills guide to make your examples specific.
Portfolio
Pick one project and explain what you retained, what you changed and why. Use drawings, captions and a clear account of your contribution to make that judgement visible.
Partner learning · ArchAdemia
Explore the architectural design course briefing and bring that thinking to a project where reuse and constraints matter.
People & practice
Explore the people and practices featured in these conversations.