Adaptive Reuse: Transforming Old Structures into Sustainable Spaces

Let’s be honest, most people don’t get excited about “adaptive reuse.” It sounds like something your building inspector might mumble about while sipping cold coffee on site.

But if you’re an architect or developer looking for projects that are faster to get off the ground, more interesting to design, and more likely to stand out in a sea of samey schemes, then adaptive reuse might just be your best-kept secret.

In this post, we’re going to break down what adaptive reuse is, why it’s a ridiculously underrated strategy for small-to-medium-sized practices and boutique developers, and how you can start spotting the right opportunities.

And we’ll do it with three big takeaways, the kind that are easy to remember and easy to act on.

Adaptive Reuse Is a Competitive Advantage

We often treat new builds as the default. Clean slate. Full control. Start fresh. But here’s the thing: starting from scratch doesn’t automatically mean better.

Working with existing buildings often gives you:

• Faster planning approvals (because councils love a sustainability story)

• More affordable construction (because you’re using what’s already there)

• And way more design character (because you’re not working from a blank page)

The Department Store by Squire and Partners; Source: ArchDaily

Real-world example

One of the most compelling examples of adaptive reuse done right, not just architecturally, but strategically, is The Department Store by Squire and Partners in Brixton. What began as a derelict Edwardian department store, long abandoned and boarded up, was reimagined into a vibrant, multi-use design hub housing co-working spaces, studios, a rooftop bar, and even a members’ club. But the real brilliance was in what they kept. The original brickwork, cast-iron columns, worn signage, and century-old staircases were retained and highlighted. These inherited details became the brand.

By leaning into the building’s history rather than hiding it, the practice created something that was more than just “good design.” They created a narrative, a place with a palpable sense of identity. The project drew media coverage, industry buzz, and new client enquiries. It also positioned the firm as a leader in sustainable, story-driven architecture without needing to chase awards or mega-budgets.

For small-to-medium architecture studios, the lesson here is subtle but powerful: reuse projects earn sustainability points, they differentiate you in the eyes of the client, the planner, and the press.

So instead of asking, “What can we build here?”

Try asking, “What already exists that we can reimagine?”

It’s a mindset shift, and for small firms, it’s a game-changer.

Stories Are Assets: Reuse Projects Come With Built-In Stories

In a world where clients scroll past pretty renders and zoning maps, the story is what stops them, it’s what makes a project memorable, media-worthy, and most importantly, shareable.

And guess what? Adaptive reuse projects are packed with stories.

You’re not just building a two-bed flat. You’re breathing new life into an old chapel. You’re turning a neglected warehouse into a studio that still smells faintly of machine oil and history. You’re adding a new chapter to a building’s life.

That kind of story sells. To planners. To press. To buyers.

For architects:

It’s portfolio gold. These are the projects that win awards, go viral, and get clients emailing you with “we saw what you did with that old schoolhouse…”

For developers:

A good story adds value. You’re not just selling a home. You’re selling a lifestyle with meaning. It justifies the price. It accelerates the sale. It gives you a marketing hook that your competitors wish they had.

So if you want to cut through the noise? Lead with the story the building already tells.

You Don’t Need a Castle, You Need the Right Eye

There’s a myth that adaptive reuse only works if you’ve got an abandoned church or a post-industrial palace lying around.

The reality? Reuse-friendly buildings are everywhere, if you know what to look for. What you want to avoid is taking ownership of a crumbling wreck.

So, here’s a quick checklist for spotting good candidates:

• Solid bones: Think brick, steel, or concrete frames that still have structural integrity

  
  

• High ceilings or interesting volumes: Great for light, layout, and design drama

  
  

• Existing use value: Places like pubs, workshops, or warehouses often sail through change-of-use applications

  
  

• Character features: Exposed beams, old signage, original stone — things that add visual interest without needing a huge budget

CaixaForum Madrid by H&dM; Source: H&dM website

Real-world example

CaixaForum Madrid, designed by Herzog & de Meuron, transforms a disused brick power station into a striking cultural centre in the heart of Madrid. The building was lifted off the ground to create a shaded public plaza below, while a corten steel extension and a lush vertical garden add bold, modern elements. The project is an example of adaptive reuse, blending historic texture with contemporary design to create a functional and visionary space.

Bonus tip: If the building looks too far gone, it might be perfect. Developers often skip “messy” sites, which means less competition and more opportunity if you’re willing to think creatively.

This is especially powerful for smaller architecture practices or boutique developers. While the big firms chase tower blocks and office parks, you can quietly snap up these overlooked gems and turn them into something remarkable.

So, Why Does This Matter Right Now?

We’re at a tipping point.

Local authorities want greener projects. Buyers want more character. Cities are full of underused buildings just waiting for a second act. And yet… the market is still addicted to new-builds on empty land.

That’s your opportunity.

If you're a small-to-mid-sized architecture firm, this is how you:

• Build a standout portfolio

• Attract better clients

• Get featured in publications without needing PR spin

  
  

If you're a developer or homebuilder, this is how you:

• Reduce construction costs

• Create more desirable properties

• Speed up planning and sales — all while doing right by the planet

And if you’re reading this thinking, “this all sounds great, but where do I even start?”, that brings us to the wrap-up.

Recap: What To Do Next

Here’s a super simple summary of what we’ve covered:

1. Reuse = Advantage→ It’s not a limitation. It’s a lever. For faster approvals, lower costs, and better design.

2. Reuse = Story→ The history of the building becomes the hook. People remember it. Media wants to cover it. Clients love to share it.

3. Reuse = Everywhere→ You don’t need a heritage building. You need eyes to spot overlooked value — and the mindset to rethink what’s possible.

   
   
   
   

Want to Start Using This Strategy?

Here are 3 easy actions to take this week:

• Drive or walk around your local patch with a new lens, spot 3 old buildings that could have potential. Take photos. Daydream a little.

  
  

• Look at your last 3 projects. Could any of them have benefited from reuse rather than starting from scratch?

  
  

• Reach out to a planner, engineer or surveyor and ask: “What’s one reuse project you’ve seen recently that worked well? Why?”

These tiny steps build the habit of seeing reuse not as a niche, but as normal. And once you make that shift, it opens up a whole new layer of creative and commercial possibilities.

Final Thought

Adaptive reuse is the next level of sustainability. It's about being smart, memorable, and design-driven. If you’re running a small practice or a lean development team, this might just be your biggest unfair advantage.

If you’d like help ghostwriting the narrative around your next project, I’d love to help.

Drop me a message. Let’s make something remarkable out of what already exists.