Reuse and Renovate: work with what you have

Adaptive reuse means taking a building that had one use and transforming it for another. Often this means zoning, design and structural changes, but ultimately the building still stands and many tonnes of construction material stay out of the landfill. If the “bones” of a building are sound there can be lot to work with.

Examples of adaptive reuse are everywhere including heritage homes converted to elegant apartments, retail stores or cafes. Schools, churches, office buildings and warehouses originally constructed for a specific use once renovated can find new life serving a completely different purpose years later.

Many architects and designers thrive on the challenges presented with adapting an existing structure to create unique living and working spaces.

The following are some examples of renovation and adaptive reuse from Nova Scotia:

	The Ecology Action Centre, Halifax, NS
	Train Station Inn, Tatamagouche, NS
	The Beandock, Shelburne, NS
	Straw Bale Residence, Day Spring, NS
	The Church, East Jeddore, NS This case study is available only on the web!
	Halifax Former No. 4 Fire Station, Halifax, NS This case study is available only on the web!

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