Renovating Existing Buildings for Modern Research

Recently featured in Structure Magazine, Tim Schuster, structural engineer at HDR, explores how strategic renovation of existing research buildings can deliver modern, flexible laboratory environments without the cost and disruption of a new build. Drawing upon a complex, multistorey campus modernisation, Schuster highlights how structural innovation and careful phasing can overcome legacy constraints, such as outdated shaft locations and limited flexibility, while maintaining continuous operations in occupied buildings.

Through close collaboration across structural, architectural, and mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) disciplines, HDR demonstrates how existing concrete structures can be thoughtfully adapted and comprehensively refurbished to support today’s research demands. The result is a resilient laboratory environment that maximises building potential, extends asset life and enables institutions to advance critical research.

Read the article, “Renovating Existing Buildings for Modern Research.”