Preserving the past, building the future: The value of adaptive reuse

As our net zero deadlines approach, the push to maximise our resources is gaining momentum. Reusing and refurbishing buildings over demolition offers numerous benefits, including reduced carbon emissions, energy efficiency, cultural preservation, and sustainable practices.

The session will explore the environmental, social, and economic drivers for adaptive reuse and refurbishment. We will discuss circularity principles in practice, the pros and cons of reuse and its impact on design, and how to promote its value across the project supply chain.

Key topics include:

Understanding the differences between reuse, refurbishment, and retrofitting
Opportunities for reducing embodied carbon in design
Considerations for adaptive reuse
Insights from case studies highlighting challenges, benefits, and lessons learned from leading projects

Join us to hear from Cundall's Oliver Grimaldi, Director of Sustainability (LinkedIn | Website Bio) and Woods Bagot's Melanie Porrins, Associate Principal (LinkedIn). Please arrive at 7.30am for a prompt start at 7.45am.

We will be providing some light breakfast, but please grab a coffee or your refreshment of choice before the event. All ticket proceeds will be donated to Perth Design Week.

This event is part of a series of events for Perth Design Week 2025, you can find out more here.