Scotland’s national retrofit network

The deep retrofit of Scotland’s National Retrofit Centre is now complete, transforming a 2000s industrial unit into a live demonstrator of best practice in non-domestic building retrofit.

Led by BE-ST and supported by the Scottish Government’s Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Fund, the project has delivered a fabric-first approach using natural, locally sourced and sustainable materials alongside modern methods of construction.

The result is a fully operational showcase of innovative retrofit solutions, designed to share learnings and inspire action across the built environment.

Based in Glasgow, Civic HouseCivic House offers a Coworking studio, communal canteen and flexible event space across two floors of a reimagined 1920s print works.

Bringing together a community working across architecture, design, music, film, and food, they provide space and facilities to turn ideas into action and build a positive future for Glasgow.

In 2021, Civic House completed an extensive PassivHaus retrofit project – reducing their energy demand and generating electricity via solar panels to become one of Scotland’s first post-industrial spaces to become energy positive.

This new Retrofit Centre for Traditional Buildings will enable Historic Environment Scotland to expand its technical research capacity, allowing for the testing and development of sustainable retrofit products and methods.

This facility will provide essential training to enhance skills in monitoring building performance post-retrofit. These efforts will ensure that interventions optimise thermal efficiency, moisture control and indoor air quality, while preserving the cultural significance of each building. This facility will permit opportunities for innovation, applying new methods and experimenting with low-carbon materials.