A major renovation of Acti-Tech Limited Head office was completed in 2011. The project completely modernized the 80s residential single storey building, increasing the amenities and accessibility for occupants, and upgrading the building’s energy efficiency. This project reflects a global trend in the design and construction industry that favours working with existing structures, as opposed to building new; in an effort to reduce carbon emissions and waste. The project provided us with a real opportunity to explore the concept of ‘embodied energy’ and the environmental benefits of reusing an existing building rather than demolishing and rebuilding it. The existing building’s solid structure contributed to the decision to adopt a more sensitive and sustainable approach to construction, reducing the number of carbon emissions and waste to landfills.

The design attempts to preserve many of its original features, such as its concrete structure and gable roof. The proposed design re-clad the building with a high-efficiency curtain wall, allowing for panoramic views, from inside, and accentuating the building’s elegant exterior. The Wuse 2 district is a prominent location, in The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria so we really wanted to better connect the building with the streetscape and passing pedestrians.