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INSIGHTS SITE LINES
A renewed focus on sustainability
All sectors are having to strike the tricky balance between addressing the climate crisis and navigating a pessimistic economic outlook. Thomas Pearson from Arup looks at an example of renovation and renewal in hospitality as one solution
GRAND DESIGN
The Grade II listed Birmingham Grand Hotel reopened in 2011 following a major refurbishment designed by Arup, including restoring stonework, and remedying decayed building fabric – the project shows how sensitively reusing an existing building can be a sustainability ‘win’
T
he built environment is a key emitter of carbon and greenhouse gases, for example, hotels account for around 1% of all global carbon emissions. It’s now widely reported that 80% of the building stock we will be using in 2050 is already in existence, so the hospitality as well as the AEC (architecture, engineering and construction) industries must prioritise decarbonising the structures in situ. Fortunately, the AEC industry is at the vanguard of innovation. As part of this, it needs to reflect on the best use – or rather reuse – of buildings, with renovation a key tool. In Spring 2021, the Grade II listed Birmingham Grand Hotel reopened, nearly two decades since it last shut its doors. Originally built in the 1870s and one of the best surviving examples of Victorian architecture in the city, the hotel had fallen into a state of disrepair since ceasing trading in 2002. Despite this, the building was listed in 2004. Shortly after, problems with its stonework led to a crash-deck scaffold being assembled around the upper floors to catch falling debris. In 2010, Arup was brought on board by Birmingham agent Hortons’ Estate to explore cost-effective options to stabilise and
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restore the facade stonework, which was hidden behind years of unsuitable repairs. Within our conservation architecture practice, we place particular importance on the original materials of a listed building. In this case, the decay was so widespread that repairing the Grand Hotel’s facade demanded technical innovation, design creativity and painstaking craftsmanship. We were tasked with solving three key challenges to help repair and restore the hotel. This saved the building from demolition, which continues to stand tall as a landmark of Birmingham’s heritage, highlighting the key role of renovation in sustainable construction.
Solving hidden problems Upon initial inspection, the facade’s masonry was found to be unstable and soft – so much so that, in some places, it could be torn by hand. A thick build-up of cement, paint, bitumen and resin had also trapped moisture within the stone behind, and masked its decay.
The original design brought with it further issues. These included incorrect weathering details that were absorbing rainwater rather
ADF OCTOBER 2022
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