In a series celebrating the Building Awards finalists, we look at the shortlisted entries for Retrofit Project of the Year – Modern
Earlier this year Building announced the names of all the firms that made it onto the shortlists for our prestigious annual Building Awards.
Now we are shining the spotlight on each category in turn and publishing a selection of the images that impressed the judges.
Today’s shortlist is for the Retrofit Project of the Year – Modern.
AKT II – The Crick Skylab
The Francis Crick Skylab transforms a dormant rooftop into a high-performance, sustainable scientific hub, exemplifying smart retrofit in a live biomedical research facility.
The two-storey steel-framed extension combines modular labs, generous daylight and advanced environmental controls to enhance productivity, wellbeing and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Circular economy principles, offsite manufacturing and integrated photovoltaics reduce embodied and operational carbon.
Precise digital modelling and stakeholder co-ordination ensured safe, efficient construction without disrupting ongoing research, delivering a future-ready, flexible and energy-efficient facility on time and within budget.
Baily Garner – VIVID Homes, Farnborough SHDF Wave 2.1
VIVID Homes Farnborough SHDF Wave 2.1 demonstrates large-scale, high-quality retrofit across 397 homes, improving energy performance, thermal comfort and occupant wellbeing. External wall insulation and upgraded ventilation raise EPC ratings to C while retaining original features.
A collaborative supply chain and community engagement ensured a low dropout rate of only 5%. Sustainability was prioritised through lifecycle carbon assessment and careful material use.
Operational performance is monitored via IoT. Value for money was achieved through integrated upgrades, tight programming and proactive quality management, advancing VIVID’s net zero 2050 goals.
Bidwells – 316 Cambridge Science Park
316 Cambridge Science Park is a pioneering retrofit transforming a 1990s office into a 21,635ft² flexible laboratory and office hub.
Delivered by Bidwells with Coel and Trinity College, Cambridge, the project retained the original structure, saving 500 tonnes of embodied carbon and enhancing sustainability.
New curtain walling, mixed-mode ventilation, adaptable lab and office spaces, and biodiversity-focused landscaping combine functionality with wellbeing.
Material selection prioritised health and environmental performance. Completed on budget and in a phased programme, the project sets a benchmark for science park retrofits.
Cundall – 5 New Street Square
Located in the City of London, 5 New Street Square is a high-performance refurbishment that extends the life of an 11-storey office while minimising embodied carbon.
Designed by Cundall for Landsec, the project retained 96% of the original structure, upgraded MEP systems with a hybrid HVAC and ambient loop, and incorporated biophilic and wellness-focused design.
Achieving EPC A and BREEAM Excellent ratings, and targeting WELL Gold standard, the building supports 500 daily users with enhanced comfort, energy efficiency and thermal performance.
Kier Construction – Refinery
Refinery, at ARC West London, is a riverside retrofit that transforms existing lab space into a flexible, sustainable and amenity-rich innovation hub.
Delivered in collaboration with Kier, the project retained and reinforced between 15% and 20% of the original structure, added a two-storey and six-storey extension, and incorporated green roofs, 200 cycle spaces and accessible landscaping.
Achieving a 30% embodied carbon reduction and 49% lower operational carbon, the building promotes wellbeing, collaboration and productivity, while flexible shell-and-core space ensures long-term tenant adaptability and value.
Join us for the 2025 edition of the Building Awards
This year’s event will take place at the Grosvenor House Hotel on 4 November.
There are 22 awards being handed out, so make sure you are in the room for construction’s night of nights and to celebrate excellence.
Tickets are selling fast, so secure your place today.
Mace – Panorama St Paul’s
Panorama St Paul’s is one of the City of London’s largest retrofit projects, transforming a 1980s office block into a benchmark for sustainable urban regeneration.
Delivered by Mace, the scheme retained 76% of the existing structure, reused 1,500 tonnes of Portland stone, and nearly doubled net internal area.
Features include all-electric systems, green terraces and passive low-energy design. The scheme achieved BREEAM Outstanding, WELL Platinum and NABERS 5-star ratings.
The project demonstrates how circular economy principles, collaboration and innovative retrofit strategies can deliver flexible, high-performance, net-zero-ready office space.
Multiplex Construction Europe – 76 Southbank
Designed by Sir Denys Lasdun and grade II listed in 2020, 76 Southbank has now been transformed by Multiplex into a sustainable, flexible 300,000ft² commercial office hub.
More than 80% of the original structure was retained, with refurbished facade panels, reclaimed steel and bricks, and sympathetic extensions increasing net internal area by 50%.
The project achieved BREEAM Outstanding, NABERS 5-star, EPC A and WELL Gold standards, while integrating renewable energy, air/water-source heat pumps, terraces, biophilic landscaping and a social equity strategy supporting apprenticeships, jobs and community engagement.
QE Facilities – Metrocentre CDC
The Metrocentre CDC retrofit transformed an existing building into a high-performing, patient-focused facility while retaining 100% of the steel frame and 85% of the original slab.
Biophilic interiors, accessible design and private consultation pods have improved wellbeing and reduced patient anxiety by 40%.
Achieving BREEAM Very Good, sustainability was integral to the development, which features LED lighting and heat-recovery HVAC. During the works, 85% of construction waste was diverted from landfill.
Completed five weeks early and within budget, the project demonstrates collaboration, adaptability and long-term value, setting a benchmark for socially responsible, high-performance retrofit healthcare facilities.
RED Construction Group – 21-25 Bruton Place
Bruton Place is a sensitive, sustainable retrofit that transformed three historic Mayfair mews buildings into a high-spec commercial property while retaining 65% of the original structure.
The project delivers flexible, light-filled office floors, restaurant space, and enhanced wellbeing through abundant daylight, high-quality HVAC and biophilic interiors.
Innovative construction overcame narrow streets and no-crane constraints, while CLT and glulam reduced embodied carbon.
Completed on budget, the scheme exemplifies collaboration, heritage-led design, sustainability and long-term value, setting a benchmark for urban retrofit excellence.
Thomas Sinden – Silbury House
Silbury House transformed a 1998 office building into Milton Keynes’ most sustainable workplace, delivering 23,089ft² of flexible, high-performance office space while enhancing occupant wellbeing.
The refurbishment retained materials, reduced embodied carbon and integrated solar PV, high-efficiency HVAC and biophilic design. Certifications include BREEAM Outstanding, Fitwel 3-star, NABERS 5-star and EPC A ratings.
Collaborative delivery ensured programme efficiency, budget adherence and community engagement.
Silbury House exemplifies how retrofit can combine sustainability, wellbeing, circular economy principles and commercial value in a future-ready office.
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