What is Retrofit? Learn more!
In July 2021, a law to revitalize old buildings in downtown São Paulo was approved by the city government, with the aim of densifying the region, transforming old and abandoned buildings into residential and revitalized areas.
But what does all this have to do with retrofitting?
Well, retrofitting is exactly what we are talking about and the subject of law 17.577/2021. It is a strategy to recover, restore and revitalize old buildings.
The name comes from the English, “fit” and means to put in shape, so to speak – retro. So retrofit, literally speaking, would be something like restoring the good shape of old buildings, updating the old.
Well, the term gained popularity on the internet after the law was passed, but the practice of retrofitting and the use of the name have been used for many years.
In fact, the revitalization of old buildings has been happening for several centuries, but the way in which this revitalization is currently being thought of has very current characteristics.
It mainly aims to improve people's experiences in large cities, reduce costs and preserve historical and architectural heritage.
Updating and reducing costs through Retrofit
The practice is not just about restoring facades, painting walls and renovating doors and windows. Retrofitting a building requires a whole new project for that construction.
Often, buildings are abandoned and reach the end of their useful life not only because they are “ugly”, but because the electrical and hydraulic design and part of their structure no longer meet the standards necessary to continue to be inhabited or to serve as a commercial space.
Therefore, retrofitting is a complete modernization of the building and not just a simple renovation.
In many situations, a complete readjustment of the air conditioning, water, gas and energy supply systems is necessary.
Not only to comply with modern supply standards, but also to ensure cost reduction.
To give you an idea, the National Department of Design and Consulting Companies (DNPC) of the Brazilian Association of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Heating (Abrava) estimates that updating the designs of an old building can generate savings of up to 40% in energy costs.
Mainly because the cost of air conditioning and maintaining thermal comfort, in general, can reach 50% of the total cost of electricity in a property.
This is because many old projects still did not take into account some standards, techniques and technologies that currently make life much more practical - and at reduced costs.
Accessibility for all
Another extremely important issue when retrofitting a building is making it fully accessible to everyone.
There was no concern, in old buildings, about the need to adapt to people in wheelchairs, blind or deaf people, for example.
With retrofitting, the building can undergo a complete renovation, becoming inclusive to all inhabitants of a city.
Heritage conservation through Retrofit
Another important issue to consider with retrofitting is ensuring the preservation of a city’s heritage.
Sometimes, tearing down a building to build another in its place could be a much cheaper alternative.
However, a well-designed project can combine low budgets and maintenance of a city's cultural, historical and architectural heritage.
Furthermore, it is undeniable that an old building, already well located, fully renovated, has an incredible increase in value, compared to simply building a new one.
There is also the huge positive point of sustainability in this issue, as many materials and structures are almost completely used.
Occupation of the Center and quality of life for the population
In São Paulo, the incentive for retrofitting aims to occupy the city center , which according to the city hall had already been experiencing a decline in recent years, aggravated by the Coronavirus pandemic.
Several buildings, occupied only by commercial establishments, were left empty after many businesses “went bankrupt”.
Now, the goal is to fill the buildings with housing, dedicating only the ground floor to commerce. The two-way street - services and products close to people and consumers close to the developments - is attracting investment.
As a way of encouraging the retrofitting of buildings, the city government launched the Requalifica Centro program, which provides projects and tax benefits to entrepreneurs who decide to “update” old buildings in the capital of São Paulo.
They will have to renovate the buildings, leaving apartments ready to be occupied by residents.
'Retrofitted' in Sao Paulo
But just because the law has been passed now doesn't mean that the retrofitting in the city is yet to begin. Did you know that many buildings in São Paulo have already undergone the process?
As of May 2020, around 40 buildings had already undergone or were undergoing retrofit.
The Jacques Pilon Residence was one of these buildings that was completely renovated. Located in the Historic Center of São Paulo and built in the 1940s, it now has apartments measuring 20 to 40 square meters spread over six floors.
The Lutetia Building, built in 1920 and renovated in 2004, gained an entirely new structure, with completely redesigned electrical and hydraulic projects.
The Verde Cambuci building also underwent retrofit and now houses apartments of up to 160 square meters with a large commercial space on the ground floor.
Coliving
In fact, in many of these buildings, the company that does the retrofit already equips, furnishes and leaves the apartment complete for the resident. Or residents.
With the excellent location of the properties, there should be no shortage of demand and young people at the beginning of their careers are those who most seek and benefit from this type of housing.
To share rent and other expenses, young people starting out in their careers sometimes prefer to opt for coliving - shared housing. Sometimes the company that set up the apartment itself delivers it to more than one resident. They don't always know each other.
Sometimes the apartments are small, but they meet the needs of those who often spend most of the day away from home and have access to all types of services and products just a few steps away from the building where they live.
See also: Retrofit: What it is and how to contribute to property improvements
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