The built environment is under growing pressure to perform better - use less energy, reduce carbon and remain fit for purpose. Retrofit sits at the centre of that challenge. The insight? Improving existing buildings requires careful coordination between energy performance, regulatory requirements, operational needs and long-term asset value, making retrofit a highly effective way to unlock the potential of existing assets.
Retrofitting existing buildings is no longer optional. Ageing assets, rising energy costs, changing regulations and sustainability targets are driving the need to improve performance across all sectors. From commercial and public buildings to complex estates, retrofit must balance operational continuity with long-term environmental and financial outcomes. It should also improve the performance and adaptability of existing assets.
At McBains, we understand the realities of working with occupied, constrained and often ageing buildings. Retrofit demands careful planning, detailed understanding of existing conditions and solutions that deliver measurable improvements without unnecessary disruption.
Our approach focuses on practical, cost-effective interventions that extend asset life, improve performance and efficiency and support long-term resilience, while keeping buildings operational and safe throughout the process.
Because retrofit affects every part of a building’s performance, we take a holistic approach. We don’t just upgrade assets - we optimise them for the future.
Camden, Central London
Multi-phase regeneration scheme comprising the upgrade of seven blocks of residential accommodation.
Services
Project Management, Cost Management, Building Services Engineering, Civil & Structural Engineering, Architecture, Building Surveying, Employer's Agent, Health & Safety
Sectors
Residential, Civic & Government, Retrofit
Chiswick, Greater London
A redevelopment project comprising upgrade works and new facilities, to improve the cohesion of a formerly disparate campus on a tight, urban site.
Services
Cost Management
Sectors
Education, Retrofit
Lewisham, Greater London
Upgrades and refurbishment of areas within the Brockley Rise Adult Learning Centre in Lewisham.
Services
Building Surveying, Cost Management, Project Management, Health & Safety, Architecture, Civil & Structural Engineering, Building Services Engineering
Sectors
Education, Civic & Government, Retrofit
Cambridgeshire
Comprehensive decarbonisation assessments across Cambridge Housing Society’s residential estate.
Services
Building Surveying, Sustainability & ESG, Cost Management, Building Services Engineering, Architecture
Sectors
Retrofit, Residential
Manchester, Greater Manchester
Extensive refurbishment across 8 floors of a high-rise office development to create a new northern headquarters for NatWest.
Services
Cost Management
Sectors
Office & Commercial, Retrofit
Camden, Central London
Refurbishment works to existing properties (Phase 2), on the Maiden Lane Estate in the London Borough of Camden.
Services
Sustainability & ESG
Sectors
Civic & Government, Residential, Retrofit
We work with asset owners, occupiers, public bodies and private sector organisations, supporting retrofit programmes across diverse building portfolios.
Islington Council
/Kent Fire & Rescue Service
/Leicestershire County Council
/London Fire Commission
/Norfolk County Council
/Islington & Shoreditch Housing Association
December 18, 2025
August 4, 2025
July 25, 2025
Retrofit projects require insight, flexibility and collaboration. Our teams bring together designers, engineers, project managers and sustainability specialists who understand the challenges of working with existing assets. The work is detailed, highly coordinated and focused on delivering lasting improvements with minimal disruption.
Stay informed with the latest news, insights, and stories from our team.
Get the latest insights from McBains and industry news to your inbox.
By submitting your email address you are agreeing to us storing your data for the purpose of sending you a newsletter.
