Established by Architects journal, this award sets precedents for the imaginative renewal, reinvention and refurbishment of our vital urban stock, and in doing so promotes ways to slash the industry’s carbon footprint in the process. Throughout the lifetime of the practice, we have often been asked to design new spaces

for old and precious buildings. We are passionate about the architecture of all eras. This experience has given us a real knowledge of the sensitive and creative realisation of contemporary space in historic buildings of quality.

One important aspect of the awards is the approach to sustainability, and low carbon development. Whilst our project for the refurbishment of the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies is within a listed building originally designed by Sir Denys Lasdun, it was always the intention to improve the environmental impact of the department in use through sensitive refurbishment. The 20th century façade, consisting of metal panels and single glazed windows, performed relatively poorly from an energy performance perspective. Dramatic improvements were made through simple, low energy, solutions such as secondary glazing and internal insulation. A new mechanical system also provided much improved air flow and incorporated heat recovery technology to capture energy and move it to other parts of the building.

The project has been shortlisted in the Higher Education and Campus category, and the winners will be announced on the April 4 2023 at an event at The Brewery in London.

https://retrofit.architectsjournal.co.uk/