According to a CORPIQ<\/a> report, 71% of rental buildings in Quebec are over 40 years old<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Retrofitting, or modernizing the building envelope, appears to be a strategic solution for extending the life of buildings, improving their energy performance, and reducing their carbon footprint, while preserving their architectural value. This process of improving buildings is not limited to the technical modernization of a building that retains its original function, as it also involves conversion and change of use.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Thus, the transformation of a factory into a residential building or an office into an institutional space requires a building envelope that meets new regulatory and functional requirements. This often involves the integration of larger, more energy-efficient glazing, improved insulation, and the architectural redevelopment of the entire structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this context, fa\u00e7ade renovation <\/a>is an essential lever for adapting existing buildings to contemporary standards of comfort, performance, and sustainability, while supporting the evolution of urban uses. This approach is becoming increasingly important in a context of major demographic and environmental changes. In 2023, Canada experienced its strongest population growth in 66 years<\/a>, with an additional 1.27 million inhabitants (+3.2%), bringing the population to 40.77 million.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Faced with such expansion and current climate challenges, building and renovating intelligently is a strategic priority to ensure the resilience and sustainability of the building stock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In simple terms, retrofit (sometimes referred to as refurbishment) is the modernisation of an existing building to reduce its environmental footprint.<\/strong> It\u2019s an essential investment in the life cycle of many structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Technically, this is a renovation that incorporates high-performance thermal<\/a>, acoustic, and aesthetic systems, while respecting the building’s specific constraints. Technically, this is a renovation that incorporates high-performance thermal, acoustic, and aesthetic systems, while respecting the building’s specific constraints. Depending on requirements, a retrofit project can also enhance specific elements of the building or facade<\/strong>, improving their performance or architectural integration while preserving the identity and value of the existing structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike new construction, retrofit must work with the existing structure, which may mean:<\/p>\n\n\n\n When retrofitting targets the improvement of a single part of the building envelope<\/a>. This involves correcting the weakest element without having to demolish or rebuild the entire structure. For example, the structure can be preserved and only the windows or facade modernized to meet current standards. Projects such as the Charles-Lemoyne Primary School, Sorel Tracy’s High School Bernard-Gari\u00e9py, and Harold Napper<\/a> are examples of this: the schools were improved by upgrading the exterior envelope, while keeping the interior intact and the facilities fully functional during the work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Retrofit projects always have specific characteristics that distinguish them from new construction. Teams must deal with existing structures that are often irregular, materials that are at the end of their life cycle, and incomplete technical documentation, which requires constant adaptation in the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Sheraton Laval<\/strong> <\/a>project illustrates this reality: the hotel remained fully operational during construction, requiring work that respected the existing architecture while significantly improving thermal and acoustic performance.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Through careful planning, prefabrication of modules, and optimised site logistics, STEKAR<\/strong> successfully addressed these challenges while minimising impacts on guests and operations\u2014demonstrating the added value of specialised building envelope expertise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Retrofitting helps preserve the value of buildings while enhancing it, restoring them to what they should be in order to blend harmoniously into their environment. It allows architecture to be harmonized with the existing built landscape and reinforces consistency with the urban ecosystem. Thus, fa\u00e7ade renovation is not limited to technical improvements: it also contributes to aesthetic and contextual redevelopment, ensuring that the building fits fully into the continuity and identity of its surroundings. Canada has 16 million homes and 500,000 other buildings,<\/a> the vast majority of which are expected to still be in use in 2050.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Deep dive into the world of retrofits and building enveloppe with 25 real world facades examples!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n A fa\u00e7ade is much more than an aesthetic feature\u2014it accounts for 25 to 35%<\/strong> of a building\u2019s thermal losses, and up to 60%<\/strong> if poorly insulated or sealed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A fa\u00e7ade retrofit can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In retrofit projects, the use of lightweight, modular, and prefabricated custom systems<\/a> facilitates adaptation to the structural constraints of existing buildings. This type of solution reduces on-site installation time, limits disruption to occupants, and improves execution precision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Thermal and acoustic performance is enhanced thanks to a design that incorporates continuous insulation and eliminates thermal bridges. Upstream work, including the creation of prototypes or mock-ups and energy efficiency studies, makes it possible to anticipate technical challenges and optimize the final result. Close integration between design, engineering, and installation also helps to ensure consistency between performance objectives and the desired architectural outcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Retrofitting can be carried out flexibly, adapting to the constraints and needs of each project. The facade<\/a> was improved without disrupting the daily lives of the occupants, demonstrating that it is possible to work on a specific aspect of the building while maintaining its normal use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This adaptability makes retrofitting an effective solution for enhancing performance and aesthetics without major disruption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhat is Retrofit<\/a>?<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nWhy Retrofit is Becoming Essential<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n![\"Fa\u00e7ade](\"https:\/\/stekar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/20221110_Sheraton_Laval_29-CROP-1024x683.jpg\")
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\n\n\n\nThe Fa\u00e7ade: The Heart of Retrofit<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nKey Steps in a Successful Retrofit Project<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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