This process involves the integration of advanced technologies into older equipment, extending its service life and enabling it to function at a level that keeps pace with modern demands. Urbanist Architecture is a multidisciplinary architecture and planning firm based in London, with projects spanning across the UK. As an RIBA chartered practice with experienced architects, planning consultants, interior designers, and project managers, we offer multiple architecture services under one roof at a boutique scale to achieve your goals.
Enhanced Sustainability
It also revealed that 26% of architecture students say retrofit education needs more focus. Sometimes, what looks perfectly sound on the surface reveals costly surprises once work begins. It's like architectural archaeology - you never quite know what you'll find until you start digging. Those Victorian warehouses in Manchester, the Georgian terraces in Bath, the industrial gems in Birmingham - they're not just buildings. If you've ever played with LEGO, then you'll already understand the circular economy. Just as those plastic bricks can be used again and again in different configurations, building materials can (and should) have multiple lives.
- To maintain free space in the floor plan while receiving light from the church window, the main action was to design the upper apartment in a hanging concrete box.
- Sometimes, what looks perfectly sound on the surface reveals costly surprises once work begins.
- We also help clients to navigate the constraints of historic building adaptation, ensuring creativity is balanced with planning limits.
Incorporating Energy-Efficient Solutions
With an 8-layer design and UV coating finish, Ecopool can withstand any condition whether inground or above-ground. When What are the differences between modular composite/precast plunge pools and shipping-container modular pools? is covered by the mobile part, the humidity in the volume of air is treated by an integrated dehumidifier; the enclosed area guarantees user safety. This guide explores everything you need to know about indoor pool HVAC retrofits, including ventilation, dehumidification, temperature regulation, and system efficiency. With new options to improve homes and reduce bills, retrofitting has become a common method of enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings and homes. Thames Freeport is part of a massive project to retrofit more than 5 million homes, improving the sustainability, affordability and quality of life in the local community. When it comes to upgrading, updating and modifying a building, there are multiple options on the table.
Modular Pools
Salt Water Swimming Pools
The Grand Parc is a mass housing complex characteristic of 20th century architecture, a concrete construction erected at scale and vilified as the symbol of social challenges. Such modernistic apartment buildings were originally built to address housing shortages after the Second World War. Unfortunately, the construction techniques of the time had multiple negative consequences for the indoor climate and viability of the constructions, resulting in social pressure and stigma in many of these housing areas. Romtec Utilities provides an advisor onsite to provide the installing contractor with installation advice based on the retrofit plan. The advisor is onsite simply to assist the process and to make sure the plan and documentation are fully understood throughout the installation process. After the retrofit package has been installed, a Romtec Utilities technician starts-up the pump station and conducts testing and training.
The Pool Refurbishment Process
- One of the key considerations for homeowners is the reduced need for chemical additives.
- As building technologies advance you’ll find even more options to enhance your property’s performance safety and value while contributing to a more sustainable built environment.
- Some of the benefits include a stress free maintenance regime with no chemical dosing or pH testing, a lower-energy pumping system due to lower water turnover rates, and most importantly a fresh, clean, invigorating swimming experience.
You may also want to consider installing energy-efficient equipment to reduce your energy bills and minimize your environmental impact. With high-quality materials, these self-contained systems enhance durability and require less maintenance, leading to long-term energy savings. Furthermore, the integration of energy-efficient heat pumps can further improve the overall sustainability and cost-effectiveness of your pool system.
Can Ecopools be heated?
Considering these factors helps pool owners make informed decisions regarding the most cost-effective and efficient heating solution for their specific needs. Incorporating safety measures such as installing a carbon monoxide detector in the vicinity of the heater and ensuring proper ventilation is essential. Proper ventilation safeguards against the accumulation of hazardous gases, protecting the well-being of individuals using the pool area. Verifying the compatibility of the heater with the existing gas supply and regulator is paramount to optimize performance and prevent potential malfunctions.
How much does it cost to replace an old pool?
Bathroom modifications often require grab bars strategically placed wall reinforcement & raised toilet seats. Motion-sensor lighting & lowered light switches improve usability while maintaining building aesthetics. Building envelope improvements including insulation upgrades ($2-$7 per square foot) cut energy use by 25-35%. Structural reinforcements like seismic retrofitting ($10000-$30000) extend building life while increasing property value 10-15%. Solar panels, for instance, can be added to rooftops to generate electricity, while geothermal heat pumps can provide sustainable heating solutions. These renewable energy options can often offset a building's energy needs, making them a viable option for both urban and rural retrofitting projects. There are many factors to account for when considering a green roof for a green retrofit. Extensive green roofs use a thin substrate layer for the often shorter vegetation that needs less room for roots to grow. Intensive green roofs use a thicker growing substrate to accommodate larger plant species that require more space for their roots. The strength of the existing structure must be considered; many existing structures were not designed for an intensive green roof, which can carry a considerable structural load. Specialized services like winterizing the heating equipment or repairs in case of malfunctions should also be considered when estimating the overall expenses. Beyond the initial installation expenditures, pool heating enhancement may involve additional costs related to equipment upgrades, ongoing maintenance, or specialized services, depending on specific requirements and preferences. Considering these supplementary expenses is essential for establishing a comprehensive budget and effectively planning for pool heating installation. The local climate and geographical location significantly affect the requirements and costs of pool heating installation, as they directly impact the energy demands and heating efficiency. Assessing these factors enables homeowners to make informed decisions regarding the selection and implementation of pool heating systems that align with their specific climate and location attributes.
Cost-Effectiveness
Increasing the energy efficiency of the existing building stock is one of the main challenges for Europe. This plan is part of the wider European Green Deal strategy for reducing emissions across different sectors. In this context, the strategy aims at doubling the building renovation rate, achieving a decarbonisation of heating and cooling systems, and improving the energy efficiency with a focus on retrofitting public buildings. Lastly, retrofitting enables increased flexibility and adaptability of building systems, allowing for easy adjustments in response to changing needs and requirements. Automation has become essential for efficient and sustainable building management in today’s fast-paced world. Retrofitting existing buildings for automation is crucial as it allows for optimized energy consumption, improved occupant comfort, and increased overall productivity.
