Transformation of existing buildings to new uses : A snapshot of conversions in Sweden
Mjörnell, Kristina LU and Bálint Palmgren, Oscar LU
(2025)
In Bebyggelsehistorisk tidskrift
87.
p.6-31
- Abstract
- Decarbonizing the existing building stock is essential, especially as buildings in the EU (85% built before 2000) account for a third of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. This study examines adaptive reuse of underutilized structures as a sustainable alternative to demolition and new construction. It addresses the surplus of redundant buildings, driven partly by needs for heritage conservation and reduction of the built environment’s carbon footprint. An inventory of adaptively reused buildings was established through informal dialogue with practitioners, who also assessed success factors through a survey. Analysis of building conversions revealed major trends from industrial to office and from office to residential uses. Legal and... (More)
- Decarbonizing the existing building stock is essential, especially as buildings in the EU (85% built before 2000) account for a third of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. This study examines adaptive reuse of underutilized structures as a sustainable alternative to demolition and new construction. It addresses the surplus of redundant buildings, driven partly by needs for heritage conservation and reduction of the built environment’s carbon footprint. An inventory of adaptively reused buildings was established through informal dialogue with practitioners, who also assessed success factors through a survey. Analysis of building conversions revealed major trends from industrial to office and from office to residential uses. Legal and preservation factors were found vital for successful projects. Compliance with current building codes is challenging but feasible with relaxed technical requirements. Conversion extends building lifespans and improves quality of life. A multidisciplinary approach integrating technical, economic, and socio-cultural aspects is essential for adaptive reuse. Future studies will further explore facilitative models. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
https://lup.lub.lu.se/record/996dc66f-6fe1-48e9-bc54-984c9df16646
- author
- Mjörnell, Kristina
LU
and Bálint Palmgren, Oscar
LU
- organization
- publishing date
- 2025-03-17
- type
- Contribution to journal
- publication status
- published
- subject
- keywords
- Adaptive reuse, Conversion, Transformation, Existing buildings, Sustainability, Survey
- in
- Bebyggelsehistorisk tidskrift
- volume
- 87
- article number
- 2
- pages
- 25 pages
- ISSN
- 0349-2834
- project
- Doctorate of Philosophy in Building Physics
- language
- English
- LU publication?
- yes
- id
- 996dc66f-6fe1-48e9-bc54-984c9df16646
- alternative location
- https://uu.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A1944930
- date added to LUP
- 2026-02-27 11:47:33
- date last changed
- 2026-03-18 03:34:42
@article{996dc66f-6fe1-48e9-bc54-984c9df16646,
abstract = {{Decarbonizing the existing building stock is essential, especially as buildings in the EU (85% built before 2000) account for a third of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. This study examines adaptive reuse of underutilized structures as a sustainable alternative to demolition and new construction. It addresses the surplus of redundant buildings, driven partly by needs for heritage conservation and reduction of the built environment’s carbon footprint. An inventory of adaptively reused buildings was established through informal dialogue with practitioners, who also assessed success factors through a survey. Analysis of building conversions revealed major trends from industrial to office and from office to residential uses. Legal and preservation factors were found vital for successful projects. Compliance with current building codes is challenging but feasible with relaxed technical requirements. Conversion extends building lifespans and improves quality of life. A multidisciplinary approach integrating technical, economic, and socio-cultural aspects is essential for adaptive reuse. Future studies will further explore facilitative models.}},
author = {{Mjörnell, Kristina and Bálint Palmgren, Oscar}},
issn = {{0349-2834}},
keywords = {{Adaptive reuse; Conversion; Transformation; Existing buildings; Sustainability; Survey}},
language = {{eng}},
month = {{03}},
pages = {{6--31}},
series = {{Bebyggelsehistorisk tidskrift}},
title = {{Transformation of existing buildings to new uses : A snapshot of conversions in Sweden}},
url = {{https://uu.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A1944930}},
volume = {{87}},
year = {{2025}},
}