Continuing education

Continuing education: The revival of building recladding

As mid-20th-century commercial buildings face declining market appeal, their facades often reveal the passage of time, showing signs of wear and outdated aesthetics. While technical components may fail and modern performance expectations may outstrip what earlier materials and methods could achieve, the core structures of these buildings remain sound. They still embody valuable resources, including energy, carbon emissions, finances and labour. For many buildings, recladding offers an opportunity to extract fresh value from both structure and site, enhancing performance, marketability and longevity.

Recladding has traditionally been a method for improving energy efficiency, reducing structural material costs and rebranding the architectural image of a building. Will Babbington, a principal at the structural engineering and facade design firm Studio NYL, notes that while the flexibility and fewer unknowns associated with new builds have often tipped the scales in favour of new construction, recent trends are shifting this dynamic. “Increased awareness of energy performance and embodied carbon has led these factors, along with occupant comfort, to become critical design drivers alongside cost and aesthetics,” he explains. The industry’s growing capacity to measure and manage designs towards these sustainability goals has resulted in a notable uptick in recladding and facade retrofits.

Three recent recladding projects exemplify this emerging trend.

100 Stockton: Revitalising San Francisco

The Gensler-designed transformation of 100 Stockton in San Francisco stands out as a case of architectural renewal. Once a nearly windowless department store, the building has been reimagined as a vibrant multi-tenant space. Situated in the historic Union Square district, which has seen a decline in retail activity, this renovation aims to rejuvenate the area. Bob Perry, a design director at Gensler, highlights the former building’s disconnect from its streetscape: “It really didn’t have an intentional relationship to the pavement.” The design team sought to create a flexible property adaptable to various tenants, likening it to “a Swiss Army knife of leasing.”

Working from the interior outward, the team devised a plan that enables upper-storey retailers to benefit from ground-floor visibility and designated lifts. This approach informed the rhythm of a transparent new facade, which draws inspiration from the architectural language of neighbouring historic buildings. The result is a dynamic structure with a tiered design, incorporating terraces that invite interaction with the streetscape and signal the building’s newfound vitality.

660 Fifth: A new Class A space in New York

In New York City, 660 Fifth Avenue has undergone a remarkable reskinning by KPF, repositioning it as Class A office space. The project’s focus on enhancing the building’s facade not only addresses aesthetic concerns but also improves energy efficiency, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable office environments.

Arthur J. Altmeyer Federal Building: Transforming the workplace

In Woodlawn, Maryland, the Arthur J. Altmeyer Federal Building has seen a significant modernisation through the efforts of Snow Kreilich in collaboration with HGA. This mid-century office block, previously uninspiring and uncomfortable, has been transformed into a desirable workplace that caters to contemporary needs.

The surge in recladding projects like 100 Stockton, 660 Fifth and the Arthur J. Altmeyer Federal Building reflects a broader shift in architectural thinking. As the industry increasingly prioritises sustainability and occupant comfort, building owners are discovering the hidden potential in their existing structures. By embracing recladding, they can not only enhance the performance and aesthetic appeal of their buildings but also contribute positively to the environment, marking a new chapter through the evolution of these formerly lifeless structures.

For those involved in building maintenance and management, understanding the benefits and processes of recladding is essential. As we continue to evolve in our approach to architecture and sustainability, resources like GSI Maintenance will remain pivotal in guiding these transformations.