1. We are WSP
  2. What we do
  3. Property and Buildings
  4. Existing Buildings
Our expertiseProjectsServicesInsightsOur experts
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We’re helping our clients reuse their existing buildings through creative design, technological expertise and our passion to change the world for the better.

 
Around 80% of the world’s buildings will still be here in 2050. There is a huge opportunity to reuse them to reduce carbon emissions and save resources, while increasing their resilience to climate change and maximising their social, commercial and environmental impact. But there are also challenges, from the size and scale of the task to the ingenuity and ambition needed to make it happen.

Our people are at the forefront of building transformation – helping to change people’s mindset from “I need a new building” to “how can I reuse an existing one?”. Reimagining the built environment we already have to create high-performing, efficient, future-proof buildings, rooted in the culture and history of the neighbourhoods they belong to.

Reusing and modernising existing buildings is one of the most effective ways to improve their overall sustainability. The top priority is embedding digital tools such as online material banks that enable a circular approach to retrofit contracts. By working closely with clients, the construction industry and the supply chain, we can optimise energy, carbon and environmental performance, creating healthy, vibrant and future-ready places for communities.

Our expertise

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Heritage

Throughout the world, heritage buildings and sites symbolise our shared journey through the ages. The challenge is how to preserve and respect their historic and cultural significance, while meeting the needs of modern building users and a future net zero economy. We work with clients across the public and private sectors to renovate and repurpose heritage buildings, preserve and protect archaeological sites and retrofit new solutions – including energy-efficient building services and the latest digital technologies.

Discover our heritage solutions >

 

Adaptive reuse

Existing buildings that were designed for a specific purpose, but are no longer needed, or are at risk of becoming stranded assets, can often be redesigned for something different to reflect the changes in our shopping, leisure and business habits. Our specialist engineers, designers and heritage advisors help clients assess the opportunities for their existing buildings and transform them for the next generation – creating exciting new places for people to live, work and enjoy using the architecture that’s already there.

Discover our adaptive reuse capabilities >
 

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Refurbishment 

Reusing and retrofitting existing buildings will save both embodied and operational carbon and aid in climate adaptation. Our multidisciplinary teams help building owners refurbish and future proof their assets to meet new standards and market expectations. From renovating exteriors and interiors and maximising floorspace, to upgrading building services and optimising operational performance throughout a building’s lifetime.

Discover our refurbishment experience >
 

Portfolio decarbonisation

The built environment needs to modernise, adapt and decarbonise to stay Future Ready. The challenge for asset owners and managers is how to do it at speed and scale while maximising return on investment and minimising disruption. We have developed a structured, data-led approach to decarbonise existing building portfolios. From identifying which assets have the most decarbonisation potential, to the interventions that will have the maximum benefit and a roadmap to follow. Together, we’re helping our clients achieve their science-based targets, attract green investors and meet society’s evolving needs.

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Discover our existing buildings’ work
  

Do you need support on existing buildings?

Get in touch with our multidisciplinary buildings experts today.

Our insights on transforming existing buildings

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November 2024 | 5 minutes

Five ways to unlock the potential of existing tall buildings

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September 2024 | 3 minutes

Retrofitting + Shaping the buildings we have into the cities we want

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August 2024 | 4 minutes

How to get the most out of existing buildings

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May 2024 | 3 minutes

Retrofitting to Net-Zero Five Reasons Digital Models Will Be Essential

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svg-icon Decarbonization
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June 2024 | 8 minutes

Retrofitting…Dubai-style

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August 2023 | 8 minutes

Retrofitting: What Can We Learn From Heritage Projects?

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svg-icon Places , Decarbonization
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February 2024 | 4 minutes

Modelling provides pathway to decarbonization for real estate portfolios

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May 2023 | 3 minutes

Accelerating circularity in the built environment

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March 2023 | 2 minutes

A structured methodology for planning commercial real estate portfolio decarbonization

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