As urban populations continue to grow, the demand for housing in city centers rises steadily.

One innovative solution to address this demand while also promoting sustainability is the conversion of existing city office buildings into modern apartments.

Could we explore the concept of retrofitting city office buildings using mass timber exoskeletons, which not only allows for the efficient conversion of office spaces into residential units but also integrates sustainable features like patio gardens and green roofs/solar panels/shade ? see (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0038092X22003930) for solar ref.

The Conversion Process

1. Mass Timber Exoskeleton: The use of mass timber exoskeletons is at the heart of this conversion concept. Mass timber is a sustainable building material made from engineered wood products like cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glue-laminated timber (glulam). The exoskeleton can be constructed around the existing office building, adding strength and stability, also can be utilized to seismically upgrade old buildings.
2. Integrated Infrastructure: One of the key advantages of using mass timber exoskeletons is their ability to house infrastructure elements like plumbing, waste systems, electrical conduits, and heating ducts. This simplifies maintenance and renovation processes, making it easier to adapt the building for residential use. Kitchens and bathrooms could be elevated in the non ADA units to allow plumbing to run to exterior in chase without penetrating the floor envelope.
3. Patio Gardens: Possibly incorporating some patio gardens into the design provides residents with outdoor spaces, enhancing their quality of life. These green areas can be integrated into the exoskeleton, creating private and communal spaces for relaxation, gardening, or socializing.
4. Green Roofs: To further promote sustainability and improve the building’s energy efficiency, green roofs can be added to the top of the structure. Green roofs offer insulation, reduce the urban heat island effect, and provide additional communal spaces for residents.

The Pros

1. Sustainability: Repurposing existing structures reduces the environmental impact of new construction and helps minimize waste.
2. Efficient Use of Space: Office buildings often have large, open floor plans that can be easily subdivided into apartments, making efficient use of available space if utilities are routed in the perimeter, eliminating the necessity for many penetrations floor to floor, this may be possible due to typical high ceilings provided in office buildings. Prefab modular kitchen and bath units could be craned up to each level, with a single access point, prior to installation of demising walls to save cost for affordable units.
3. Urban Revitalization: Converting vacant office buildings can breathe new life into urban areas, attracting residents and fostering economic growth.
4. Community Building: The integration of communal patio gardens and green roofs encourages social interaction among residents, creating a sense of community.
5. Energy Efficiency: Mass timber exoskeletons provide excellent insulation, reducing heating and cooling costs for residents.

The Cons

1. Structural Challenges: Not all office buildings are suitable for conversion due to differences in structural requirements between residential and commercial spaces.
2. Cost: Retrofitting office buildings can be expensive when incorporating sustainable features like mass timber exoskeletons and green roofs though savings in utilities and maintenance may offset some of the cost.
3. Regulatory Hurdles: Zoning laws, building codes, and other regulations may pose challenges when repurposing office spaces into residential units.
4. Limited Customization: Existing layouts may limit customization options for individual units, potentially affecting market appeal.
5. Community Concerns: Neighbors may raise concerns about increased population density, traffic, and other issues associated with residential conversions.

Converting existing city office buildings into apartments with mass timber exoskeletons offers a sustainable solution to address urban housing demands.

While this approach comes with numerous benefits, including environmental sustainability, efficient space utilization, and community building, it also presents challenges such as structural considerations, cost, and regulatory hurdles.

To successfully implement such projects, collaboration between developers, city planners, and communities is crucial. With careful planning and thoughtful design, these conversions can breathe new life into urban landscapes while promoting sustainability and livability. Team effort with law makers, research could be done into government grants for sustainable cities.

Orla Huq