The (Sustainable) Case for Renovating Instead of Building
Working with what you already have might be the most sustainable option for your dream home
While it’s many people’s dream to build a sustainable home from scratch, it can sometimes be kinder to the environment to take what you have already and retrofit with energy efficiency in mind. “Renovating a house is the ultimate ‘upcycling’ of an object and can lead to some creative outcomes,” says Kristine Somerfield of Field Design Studio. Australia has many great examples of historic houses, old worker’s cottages, weatherboards and ’70s brick veneers that have been successfully converted to dream homes.
Best of both worlds
It’s tempting to want to build from scratch and have everything shiny and new, but imagine having the character of an older style house with all the benefits of a new build, too.
Renovating an existing place may mean having the best of both worlds. For those who love period houses or cute, old cottages, but love the look and advantages of modern housing, renovating can mean having your cake and eating it.
It’s tempting to want to build from scratch and have everything shiny and new, but imagine having the character of an older style house with all the benefits of a new build, too.
Renovating an existing place may mean having the best of both worlds. For those who love period houses or cute, old cottages, but love the look and advantages of modern housing, renovating can mean having your cake and eating it.
Heritage
Of course there are issues and one of these might be working with heritage constraints and local council regulations, but as many of the following images show, that doesn’t mean not having a dream home. Many buildings retain existing facades – be they Edwardian or Victorian – but extensions to the rear can bring light and warmth into a home and connection to the outside.
“The main logistical problem with staying in an older home is that the existing building is likely not to meet the requirements of current structural, environmental and construction guidelines,” says Warwick Mihaly of Mihaly Slocombe, who renovated this Edwardian home in Melbourne.
“This might mean needing to upgrade the insulation in the existing roof, replacing windows or re-doing structural works around an old fireplace. Design is not an issue: we see tying in new with old as just one of the many challenges that faces any architectural project.”
More: What to Consider When Renovating a House in a Heritage Overlay
Of course there are issues and one of these might be working with heritage constraints and local council regulations, but as many of the following images show, that doesn’t mean not having a dream home. Many buildings retain existing facades – be they Edwardian or Victorian – but extensions to the rear can bring light and warmth into a home and connection to the outside.
“The main logistical problem with staying in an older home is that the existing building is likely not to meet the requirements of current structural, environmental and construction guidelines,” says Warwick Mihaly of Mihaly Slocombe, who renovated this Edwardian home in Melbourne.
“This might mean needing to upgrade the insulation in the existing roof, replacing windows or re-doing structural works around an old fireplace. Design is not an issue: we see tying in new with old as just one of the many challenges that faces any architectural project.”
More: What to Consider When Renovating a House in a Heritage Overlay
“Outcomes can even be better with a renovation than starting from scratch, as the old house can provide interesting design cues that lead to great results in the renovation,” says Mihaly. “With Basser House [pictured], for instance, we used brick patterns and roof forms to derive inspiration for its external cladding exuberant ceiling.”
“Opting to retain and renovate an existing house is usually more sustainable than building from scratch,” he says. “And not just environmentally sustainable, but financially and historically, too. Keeping as much as you can of the original saves you the money you would otherwise spend on re-building those rooms. It can also preserve important parts of the existing house, which, with the expanding reach of heritage overlays, can often be a town planning requirement.”
“Opting to retain and renovate an existing house is usually more sustainable than building from scratch,” he says. “And not just environmentally sustainable, but financially and historically, too. Keeping as much as you can of the original saves you the money you would otherwise spend on re-building those rooms. It can also preserve important parts of the existing house, which, with the expanding reach of heritage overlays, can often be a town planning requirement.”
Using the existing built fabric “can result in the need for less new materials and labour (compared to building from scratch), and can therefore minimise the embodied energy in a building,” says Somerfield. “Obviously demolishing an entire existing dwelling will cause a huge amount of rubbish going to land fill.
“Working with an existing building can provide the designer with constraints (as well as opportunities!) when trying to design an energy efficient home.”
“Working with an existing building can provide the designer with constraints (as well as opportunities!) when trying to design an energy efficient home.”
“Most often the need for good solar access is an issue when working with an existing building. However, there are ways solar gain can be increased into an existing dwelling, via high level windows or roof windows, for example,” says Somerfield.
Another potential issue is insulation in the older home. “Installing adequate insulation in an existing building can, at times, be difficult, depending on the type of structure you are working with,” she says. “For example, insulating existing sub-floor spaces or wall cavities can be difficult.”
Another potential issue is insulation in the older home. “Installing adequate insulation in an existing building can, at times, be difficult, depending on the type of structure you are working with,” she says. “For example, insulating existing sub-floor spaces or wall cavities can be difficult.”
Previously inefficient, dark, old homes are being brought into the light all over Australia. Smart architecture and design means that old and new can be brought together creatively. The addition to this bluestone cottage in Adelaide doesn’t apologise for its difference to the carefully maintained facade, but the interiors flow seamlessly together.
This Edwardian home in inner-city Melbourne retains the existing facade, but Chan Architects have picked up on materials “and formal consistencies of the style” and found “a contemporary expression for them.” There were many site constraints for this renovation as there often are when dealing with existing homes on tight spaces in suburban or inner-city blocks.
But the result is a spacious, light-filled addition with strategically positioned clerestory windows and skylights bringing in northern light.
See more of this home
See more of this home
The Balaclava House has integrated the existing structure with a modern, two-level modular addition. The spaces are filled with light and sustainable features, such as shading, thermal mass, water tanks, hydronic heating and renewable materials.
Step inside this home
Step inside this home
This is another extension that brings light and warmth into an old Melbourne Edwardian, by Preston Lane. With these images belying the humble facade once again, the renovation retained existing period features but added light-filled spaces to the rear, and brought an easier transition between the interior and the rear garden.
See more of this house
See more of this house
“You almost don’t know that the house has been extensively renovated from the front,” said architect Elena Low. “Even once you step inside, it’s not until you turn at the end of the entry that you start to get a glimpse of what lies beyond.”
Recycling
One other possible advantage of renovating is the potential to use some of the original – either in the renovation or to sell and offset some of the costs. Find creative ways to reuse materials or sell to salvage companies or online. An original fireplace you may not want might fetch a fair price on a listing site or someone else might be interested in your old bricks to reuse as paving. Consider each piece carefully; they might be worth more than you think.
One other possible advantage of renovating is the potential to use some of the original – either in the renovation or to sell and offset some of the costs. Find creative ways to reuse materials or sell to salvage companies or online. An original fireplace you may not want might fetch a fair price on a listing site or someone else might be interested in your old bricks to reuse as paving. Consider each piece carefully; they might be worth more than you think.
Beware hidden costs
There will certainly be some drawbacks though, and these will depend on the project and the circumstances. It’s good to be aware that dealing with an existing property can mean hidden problems and therefore hidden costs. It’s crucial to get expert help and advice before starting any project.
You may also have to live among the renovations or you may be forced to move out. But the same could be said of building from scratch – you have to live somewhere while you build so you may need to live on site or pay for two homes simultaneously. And I know from direct personal experience that while it can at times be fun to live in a shed while you build a house, it definitely isn’t for everyone.
There will certainly be some drawbacks though, and these will depend on the project and the circumstances. It’s good to be aware that dealing with an existing property can mean hidden problems and therefore hidden costs. It’s crucial to get expert help and advice before starting any project.
You may also have to live among the renovations or you may be forced to move out. But the same could be said of building from scratch – you have to live somewhere while you build so you may need to live on site or pay for two homes simultaneously. And I know from direct personal experience that while it can at times be fun to live in a shed while you build a house, it definitely isn’t for everyone.
So whether it’s more sustainable to build or renovate depends on many factors and will vary from project to project. Weigh up all the pros and cons from an environmental, aesthetic and financial perspective before making your decision.
TELL US
Have you renovated with sustainability in mind? What was the outcome? Please share in the Comments.
MORE
A Stylish and Sustainable Renovation Family Home with a Retro Edge
How to Give a Traditional Queenslander a Modern Makeover
Renovate Right: 6 Lessons Learned the Hard Way
Renovation Rescue: 9 Terrace Design Challenges and How To Solve Them
TELL US
Have you renovated with sustainability in mind? What was the outcome? Please share in the Comments.
MORE
A Stylish and Sustainable Renovation Family Home with a Retro Edge
How to Give a Traditional Queenslander a Modern Makeover
Renovate Right: 6 Lessons Learned the Hard Way
Renovation Rescue: 9 Terrace Design Challenges and How To Solve Them
Many older Australian homes have not been designed with the local climate in mind. How many Australian buildings have you been in or lived in that are way too hot in summer, too cold in winter and are generally too dark and a little gloomy despite being in a country famous for its sunshine?
But that doesn’t mean having to demolish and build from scratch. It’s possible for clever architects and building designers to open up houses, update insulation and ventilation, bring in light and offer design solutions that will help to maintain more consistent year-round temperatures – so you’ll be more comfortable in all seasons while potentially spending less on energy, even in a larger space.