Mixed-use buildings create complete communities with diverse spaces and services designed for live-work-play lifestyles. In this article we explain how building restoration helps future-proof mixed-use buildings for long-term profitability and tenant satisfaction.
Adaptive reuse in mixed-use buildings
Adaptive reuse maintains the building’s façade and structural integrity while changing the functional purpose of the space. Building restoration experts assess the structure to determine how to create live-work-play spaces using the existing framework. This method is particularly effective for older buildings where the historical façade is important to the community and aesthetics of the structure. The premise of adaptive reuse allows property owners to transform spaces to suit the changing needs of the tenants and community.
The main benefits of adaptive reuse include:
- Cost-effective: Less time, materials, and resources are required compared to complete rebuilds. The introduction of modern, durable materials prolongs life and reduces maintenance costs.
- Occupant use: Businesses and residents can begin using the new space sooner compared to complete rebuilds.
- New revenue streams: Property owners can increase profitability with new revenue streams and increase property value through more purposeful space that appeals to tenants.
- Community: New services and spaces can serve other members of the community, not just building tenants.
- Aesthetics: Building character is maintained to preserve the community’s identity.
- Energy efficiency: While the façade is maintained, envelope upgrades improve energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
Introduce next-generation materials
Façade restoration introduces next-generation materials to improve building performance. Restoration experts leverage the latest innovations in weather-resistive barriers, including:
- Cladding and siding
- Multi-functional/vapour-permeable membranes
- Fascia and flashing
- Sheathing, barriers, and wraps, such as continuous air and water barriers
- Coatings, adhesives and sealants
- Enhanced masonry applications
Integrate smart glass into upgrades
Curtain walls offer a modern façade ideal for daylighting in commercial and residential spaces. Advanced glazing systems using new materials and smart glass integrate next-generation advancements, such as:
- Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal: PDLC films alter transparency to improve daylighting and energy efficiency. Film also reduces glare and allows occupants to adjust transparency for shared work and multipurpose spaces using on-demand controls. Building managers can also opt for preset programming.
- Photovoltaic (PV) curtain walls: Cadmium telluride solar cells used in laminate glass create energy-generating surfaces to maximize views and daylighting while producing useable energy.
Consider tenant comfort & satisfaction
Mixed-use upgrades rely on increased occupancy rates, reduced operational costs, and new revenue streams to generate income and increase ROI. A building envelope assessment identifies thermal bridges and finds opportunities to improve long-term occupant comfort, including:
- Renewed insulation
- Enhanced sound barriers
- Installing multi-pane windows and doors
- Updating curtain walls
- Addressing thermal bridges and air leaks
- Using UV-reducing coatings to improve daylighting
- Adding accessible street-level entries for services and retailers
Speaking to a restoration team about your mixed-use building project in the early stages helps ensure profitability through increased tenant satisfaction while providing an impressive long-term ROI.
The experienced restoration team at WellDone Inc., a building restoration company in the GTA specializing in building improvements for commercial and multi-unit residential buildings, can provide a thorough assessment and restoration plan to help increase ROI. Reach out to us today.