Most buildings are initially constructed for a particular purpose, but as time goes by there may be a need to adapt them for new functions. Transformation of the existing building stock is one of the most sustainable ways of developing our cities, where everything from centuries-old palaces to more recent factory buildings may have the potential to be reshaped for new functions. That is why renovation, conversion or transformation is an option that should often be considered when we are dealing with an existing building.
We preserve the best attributes of a building and give it new life
Our focus is on preserving the original attributes and character of the building while adapting it to new functions and needs.
Arkitema offers architectural and engineering consultancy to assist in conserving, renovating, converting and restoring buildings. We have many years of experience in transforming everything from detached houses and factory buildings to historic and/or listed buildings, and we can help with everything from initial valuation to finished product.
Functionality and aesthetics should go hand in hand
When we convert and transform buildings we always start by making a valuation of the building itself. We use this valuation to ensure that the customer’s wishes are met, while respecting the existing building in a given context. Here we focus on not losing the particular architectural, social and cultural attributes of the building, while identifying its potential and ways of recreating qualities that may have been lost in earlier rebuilding works.
We help our customers to see the opportunities and potential in a building, using our experience and knowledge from a whole range of transformations. We concentrate on a simple and honest range of materials, aiming to use good quality, authentic materials and thinking about how the building will age and function over time.
We focus on creating aesthetically pleasing and durable designs, both outside and in and with regard to functionality.
Aesthetics operate on many levels and we believe that when a project takes account of its context, past and future, its lifetime will be prolonged accordingly.
Transformation gives sustainability and quality
Restoring and transforming existing buildings reduces wastage if it is done correctly. When we reuse a building, either by restoring it to its original purpose or by converting it for fresh uses, we significantly reduce the CO₂ emissions compared to a new building.
It is also our ambition that what we create should last for many years and be capable of changing into something different again in the future.
We make a point of working with construction techniques that are reversible and compatible with the essence of the building, so it can still be returned to its original use in the future – or turned into something quite new that we cannot yet imagine. Needless to say, we also strive to apply the latest technical solutions without going against the original building methods and without compromising the original qualities of the building. This makes it possible for future owners and architects to safeguard our cultural heritage for many years, in turn fostering sustainability by reducing our climate footprint.
The most sustainable building is the one that is built of natural materials and lasts the longest – and which can be constantly adapted to the needs of its time without losing its environmental, architectural and cultural qualities in the process.
Under the heading of transformation we work on a host of restoration and/or conversion projects, including: