The Academy Building
Converting commercial buildings to residential housing is not a new concept, and with a shortage of good quality specialist supported housing empty commercial building stock can provide an attractive housing solution.
But why not stick to the traditional new build option? Purpose-built housing, which would all be regular in size, shape and design? Why bother purchasing a space which was never designed to be lived in? These are all valid questions but there are many good reasons why a property conversion might suit you as a preferred option.
One of the main reasons is a converted property can often be completed in less time than a new-build. Many people looking for supported housing have become disillusioned with waiting for new housing stock to be built. Anyone contemplating an apartment created from a commercial building may not face such problems. Conversions also suit people with a desire for originality, the individual designs of converted apartments will vary, generally speaking they are likely to be individual and unlike anything you have seen before. Usually open-plan in nature our apartments in converted buildings often strike a balance between an open spacious atmosphere and areas that are havens of peace and quiet. Such a balance is rare to find in a conventional new-build property.
Our latest conversion of a Grade II listed building provides endless scope to make a real statement when creating bespoke housing. When you apply imagination, and want to use the design features of a historic building, then there really is no better alternative.
This development is a great opportunity to create new homes for people, and also a challenge! It may seem daunting but when it comes to converting buildings for residential use, former office spaces such as The Academy are among the easier options to renovate. In addition, the building has large, wall-to-wall windows, flooding each home with natural light.
There are certainly many advantages to converting buildings to residential use. However, there are problems which go hand in hand with such a development. Such large and empty spaces can often come with inherent problems which is why you need an expert company like HomeLife, with developments of this nature, to plan the project carefully. Commercial buildings can be difficult to renovate, due to the potential for hidden problems which are not always immediately obvious to the naked eye. One example when modernizing a building is the impact of making a property airtight, when it was originally designed to breathe.
Working on The Academy building It was paramount that the original listed features could not be damaged or altered, and any new systems should not detract from the period features. The team also needed to find the right balance between introducing eco-benefits while still offering an attractive modern living space.
We have found that conversions can provide more space, some rooms are far bigger than purpose-built apartments; and where the building is quite old, in parts the walls are all brick rather than plasterboard so the noise doesn’t carry that much.
Converting a commercial building such as The Academy also requires thought to communal areas to create a homely environment which is more attractive and welcoming. Features such as a secure entrance to the site and foyer into the building, landscaping plan and communal gardens together create a more appealing residential setting.
The vacancy of office buildings can lead to financial problems for the owners and social problems for the community, in the form of vandalism, dereliction and deterioration. In the age of environmental protection, reducing environmental impact, re-cycling and re-using, one solution may be found through the conversion of vacant commercial buildings into housing.
Where buildings are appropriate for conversion to quality, attractive supported housing for HomeLife will continue to invest and deliver for people.