Adaptive Reuse: Engineering Challenges in Repurposing Historical Structures
- Natalie Akins
- 7 hours ago
- 4 min read
Adaptive reuse is a trending principle in the modern construction landscape.
To help reduce problematic construction waste created during demolition and limit the amount of new resources required for a project, engineers and architects are increasingly setting their sights on repurposing and/or rehabilitating older buildings to give them a new life.
While this concept has many benefits in terms of sustainability and resource management, it takes some careful consideration of key factors to ultimately make the project a success. Keep reading as we explore some frequent challenges of adaptive reuse projects and discuss some ideas for effectively mitigating them.
Foundation
Foundation issues are arguably the top concern in adaptive reuse. If there is significant foundational damage, the project will very likely be a non-starter.
Some of the tell-tale signs that issues exist include:
Exterior cracking - pay special attention to “stair step” cracks running along the cladding. Also look for areas where window frames separate from exterior walls.
Interior cracking - gaps in the drywall and molding separation are major red flags. Vertical cracks are also more concerning than horizontal cracks, as they often indicate foundational shifting as opposed to localized support failure.
Doors and window sticking - catches in these apertures may indicate a foundation that is no longer level. Visible warping is a next-level concern.
Plumbing issues - while it’s true that plumbing can fail in older buildings for a variety of reasons (clogs, cracked cast iron, tree roots, etc.) foundation damage could also be a culprit.
Clearly, ensuring a first-quality foundation in a historical building is priority #1 if it is to have any chance of success in its new life. Some ideas for fortifying the foundation include applying self-adhering drainage membranes to the walls, adding a moisture barrier for basement floor areas, and treating any emerging cracks with carbon fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) to increase the strength of the existing concrete foundation.
Utilities
Utility issues can be the bane of some adaptive reuse projects. Getting it set up with a high-speed internet infrastructure. Replacing leaking cast iron pipes with modern PEX and ABS options. Updating outdated wiring that overloads circuits and creates fire hazards.
On top of this, exposing utilities (daylighting) is traditionally a dangerous and expensive proposition that can cause further damage in and of itself. As such, it is worthwhile to partner with a hydrovac service that specializes in slot trenching for utility daylighting.
This system uses pressurized water jets to knock away soil from utility pipes and subterranean utility wires. The slurry is “vacuumed” into a tanker truck and hauled away from the site, creating the cleanest work environment that most efficiently uses space.
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Energy Efficiency
Most historical buildings were constructed during a time when energy efficiency efforts were not even a blip on the horizon. Heck, some may have been built when energy itself was a revolutionary concept. As such, getting them up to speed with modern sustainability standards requires special attention, as there is no place in the contemporary economy for energy-guzzling edifices.
The good news is that there are many renovations, relatively straightforward in nature, that can significantly improve the energy efficiency of an older structure. New windows are the first place to start. They will help create a stronger building envelope and facilitate natural daylighting.
Applying underfloor insulation and roof coverboard can do wonders for enhancing the R-value of a building that previously only used exterior wall insulation. Implementing automation, such as motion-detected lights and doors, can limit the amount of time utilities are running unnecessarily.
Aesthetics
Greater attention than ever is being placed on a building’s aesthetics. The drab, utilitarian structures of the past are a no-go in 2025. Not only is curb appeal essential for boosting traffic, but occupants want to take pride in the walls they pass through on a daily basis.
Some effective ways of getting a historical building up-to-date aesthetically include replacing old siding materials with engineered rainscreen cladding, using the best concrete cleaner for sidewalks and patio floors to get them looking like new, and erecting decorative screen panels around the building for an element of architectural intrigue.
Historical Preservation
Engineers, architects, and construction professionals must carefully balance lines between historical preservation and modern sensibilities during adaptive reuse projects. If the project becomes over-ambitious, it can defeat the purpose of the rehabilitation altogether. There are 5 distinct levels of adaptive reuse in construction:
Facade - involves keeping the facade intact but basically “gutting” the interior of the building
Integration - builds a new structure around the existing facility, modernizing the old building as necessary to incorporate it as part of the new site
Renovation - replaces any historical elements that are in poor condition, aiming to keep as much of the original structure intact as possible
Infrastructure - old buildings that are too far gone to be reused may be candidates for infrastructure projects such as parks or historical sites
Heritage conservation - maintains as many aspects of the building’s appearance, integrity, and structure as possible, only modernizing elements as absolutely necessary to comply with modern codes
Before ever starting an adaptive reuse project, it is crucial that all team members are aligned with the historical preservation goals in order for the final product to carry the desired level of authenticity.
Expertly Navigate the Challenges of Adaptive Reuse with Innovative Materials and Techniques
Despite the best intentions of engineers and architects, adaptive reuse has numerous challenges that can cause the project to spiral out of control without careful consideration. From navigating foundation issues to guaranteeing historical integrity, stay ahead of the challenges listed above for adaptive reuse success.
