Podcast Episode #5 – Structural Engineering in Reusing Buildings
In this thought-provoking Podcast episode, hosted by Ben Wakeling, Rob Houlston, Structural Engineer and Shawn Galliers, Director of Sustainability, explores how structural engineering can play a pivotal role in the reuse of existing buildings, offering both sustainability and cost-efficiency benefits. Drawing parallels with other industries-like fashion, electronics, and automotives.
Why Reuse Matters
Retaining the structural frame of a building can save embodied carbon and costs compared to full demolition and rebuild. These savings are not just environmental- they’re economic. By approaching buildings from a lifecycle perspective, engineers can unlock value across carbon, material, energy, and cost.
Other industries reuse and repair things like clothes, gadgets and cars, so why not buildings?
The Engineer’s Role in Adaptive Reuse
Structural engineers are central to this shift. Their responsibilities span:
- Feasibility assessments
- Planning and managing works
- Compiling results and drawing conclusions
- Controlling expectations
- Test of true understandings of materials in the real world
The new emphasis is that design is about accommodating change, not compromising vision. This mindset is key when adapting buildings for new uses-whether increasing floor space, changing function, or meeting heritage planning requirements.
Challenging Traditional Thinking
Historically, buildings were overdesigned due to limited analysis tools-relying on calculators and rules of thumb. Today, engineers must revisit assumptions and ask:
- What can materials really do?
- Where are the forces really going?
Real-world examples, like masonry walls that defy conventional calculations, highlight the need for a deeper understanding of materials in practice.
Redefining Success in Construction
Traditionally, success in construction was measured by time and cost. But as society shifts toward electric vehicles, renewable energy, and organic food, the pressure is on architects and engineers to lead the way in sustainable transformation.
🎧 Listen Now!
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in sustainable development, adaptive reuse, and the evolving role of structural engineers in shaping a low-carbon future.
Stay tuned for future podcast episodes!
Team members on the podcast
Head of Cost and Commercial
Ben Wakeling
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Our June 2026 Newsletter
July 15, 2026
This month, we explored more of the key themes that have been shaping the development sector in recent weeks, from unlocking grid capacity and navigating infrastructure constraints through to improving structural efficiency and long-term project viability. In this month’s newsletter, take a look back at our latest webinar, where we were joined by Ed Hurford from the Local Energy Markets Alliance to discuss how smarter, more coordinated energy approaches could help bring forward development for constrained sites. This month’s podcasts also shared more practical insights: episode one focused on the relationship between upfront costs and long-term value in project delivery, while episode two explored the role of transfer slabs and how early design decisions can drive more efficient structural outcomes. Plus, our latest thought leadership article highlighted why land strategies should be reviewed regularly to stay aligned with changing policy, infrastructure and market conditions. And finally, if you missed our exciting news, read more about our new partnership with CBPE Capital and what it means for Brookbanks’ continued growth.
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