Case Study- Retrofitting Soho live project

Retrofitting Soho took forward an earlier scoping study which had financial support from The Crown Estate, the City of Westminster, English Heritage, and Shaftesbury PLC. It focused on how the existing built form in the area could be adapted to make it more environmentally sustainable. The Soho Community Environment Fund commissioned Build Up to complete a nine-week live project, commencing on the 9th October 2009, to map the area in relation to the following issues.

Activity levels

Mix of land uses

Individual variations of building typology

Achievements and outcomes

The detailed focus of the project allowed the group to take the general principles set out in the scoping study and to apply them to individual buildings in the Soho area. This is a crucial step in moving from the theoretical and general potential of retrofitting to setting out what could actually be delivered.

The Block-by-block analysis considered the following:

Listed buildings

Building uses

Current adaptations (eg air conditioning units, refuse collection)

This analysis was comprised of:

 

Photographic evidence

Sketches

Individual street and building mapping data collection

The project team identified a number of potentially appropriate sustainable technologies and suggested possible interventions. Key findings of the final report included:

Existing buildings are generally very adaptable to a range of uses. Many have extended lifetimes and represent an efficient use of embodied energy and other resources.

 

The biggest single measure to reduce energy use and carbon emissions from the area would be to install a district-wide Combined Heat and Power system. This would have minimal im¬pact of the historic built fabric; additional gains from incorporating cooling as part of the approach.

Extensive areas of flat and sloping roof exist, much hidden from the public view. These could be adapted for retrofitting measures such as green roofs and solar panels.

 

Ample opportunity exists for retrofitting and upgrading inside buildings. Efficiency of plant, equipment, fittings and appliances, control mechanisms and meters as well as occupant usage of buildings could all be improved.

 

Building occupants need to be made more conscious of energy and resource use, and the issue of split incentives needs to be overcome. Many landlords are unwilling to invest in sustainability measures as these cannot be recouped through increased rentals.

The full report findings are available at http://www.build-up.org.uk/index.php/projects/fullarticle/retrofitting_soho_-_project_end/

Participant perspectives

Participants found the Retrofitting Soho project’s collaborative, inter-disciplinary work focus an opportunity to develop new ways of team working and learn from other professionals on matters of sustainability. The project also enabled many participants to better reflect on their own profession and re-evaluate priorities.

I had the chance to hear surveyors, businessmen and residents’ perspectives on building.One assessor from In Build had many ‘low-energy’ information leads which provided the basis for my public speaking on ‘Sustainable Housing’, while another services engineer allowed me to soak up his experience in low-energy design, including borehole installations in numerous London locations. 
Architect, who had worked in an office which focussed on sustainable design

The Soho project introduced me to how different organisations were approaching the same challenge. It helped me realise that with new challenges such as global warming and its implications, built environment professionals like myself cannot just carry on with ‘business as usual’. It’s imperative we integrate our skills to ensure the best solutions.
Chartered Surveyor and Project Manager

I enjoyed the opportunity to work for a longer period of time with other building professionals. My outlook, morale and strategies have all changed, and this has taught me to look at my position with a new freshness. I’ve recognised the need to value my time and use it more wisely; to attend more events, learn new things and make myself more employable. 
Architectural Assistant

 

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