Championing retrofit
HLM is helping to make retrofit the new norm, by celebrating and reclaiming our built heritage.
With each project — and across every HLM specialism — we’re continually refining our retrofit expertise, demonstrating how thoughtful adaptation can create inspiring places with significantly lower environmental impact than demolition and rebuild. In this series we’re sharing our insights and the lessons we’re learning.
Transforming a local icon
Our award-winning restoration and remodelling of the University of Sheffield’s striking Grade II* listed 1960s Arts Tower demonstrates how thoughtful retrofit can breathe new life into historic buildings. The project transformed the city landmark into a modern, future-ready learning environment while preserving the distinctive character of the celebrated “tower of light and learning”.
From elegant landmark to faulty tower
For a long time the University of Sheffield’s Arts Tower dominated the city’s skyline, and stood as the tallest university building in the country. Designed by Gollins, Melvin, Ward & Partners, it was awarded Grade II* listed status in 1993, with English Heritage describing it as ‘the most elegant university tower block in Britain of its period’.
But after 40-odd years the building was struggling to meet the demands of modern university life — it wasn’t flexible, inclusive or accessible, and had woefully bad sustainability credentials. Nicknamed ‘faulty tower’ it was said to leak like a sieve.
Preserving the world's tallest paternoster lift
Working closely with university stakeholders, and under the watchful eye of English Heritage and local area conservation planners, we breathed new life into the tower through a comprehensive restoration and remodeling.
We re-clad the entire façade of the tower to significantly improve thermal performance, reduce running costs, and deal with historical safety issues. All while preserving its light, confident and optimistic 1960s design ethos.
Internally our transformational refurbishment delivered future-proof student facilities over all 22 storeys, and even increased building capacity — giving the university far more flexibility in future use.
24% energy reduction achieved
Before our refurbishment, the Arts Tower produced around 600 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. Connected to Sheffield’s pioneering district heating network, the building’s operational carbon was largely driven by ageing and inefficient electrical systems.
We delivered a 24% reduction in energy consumption through a combination of intelligent building controls, energy-efficient lighting, comfort cooling, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, and bespoke double-glazed façade units. Our sustainable design and construction, retaining and recycling materials, and low-water-use fittings further enhance the building’s environmental performance.
Today, the Arts Tower stands as a resilient, sustainable exemplar of heritage-led retrofit, that centres the wellbeing of students and staff.
An award-winning, joyous environment
Our Sheffield studio holds a special connection to the Arts Tower — for many of our team, it was an inspiring place of study and the start of their architectural journey. Through the restoration and retrofit, we’ve helped create a resilient, comfortable environment where generations of students can continue to learn, create and feel inspired.
Our dedication to preserving the essential character of this important Sheffield building was reflected in winning both the Conservation Award and People’s Choice Award at the 2012 Sheffield Design Awards.
Its a really joyous environment to learn in. It’s really bright and spacious, with lots of communal features. It’s a building that’s stood the test of time.
Lara Marino Architecture Student, University of Sheffield
