Introduction – The construction sector faces extensive sustainability challenges and
contributes significantly to society´s greenhouse gas emissions and resource
consumption. At the same time, changing work patterns and declining demand for
traditional office spaces have resulted in an increasing number of vacant office
premises. However, experiences from previous conversions show that many existing
office buildings are technically, economically, and functionally difficult to adapt for
residential use. This highlights the need to consider future adaptability and the potential
for conversion into the early design stage of new office buildings.
This thesis investigates how newly constructed office premises can be designed to
facilitate future conversion to residential units, with a particular focus on adaptability.
The aim is to increase understanding of how early design decisions affect the long-term
usability of buildings and to contribute a practical tool in the form of a guideline and
checklist.
Method – The study applies a qualitative research strategy and is conducted as case
studies of two conversion projects: The View in Nacka and Kunskapsfabriken in
Jönköping. The empirical material is based on document analysis, literature review, and
semi-structured interviews with professional stakeholders.
Results – The results from the document analysis and interviews show that building
depth, daylight conditions, and the configuration of the structural system are central
physical factors affecting a building´s adaptability. Column-beam systems are
identified as more advantageous than load-bearing walls, as they enable greater
flexibility for future changes. The main barriers to conversion are economic, regulatory,
and technical challenges.
Analysis – The analysis of the empirical data indicates that adaptability can be assessed
through a combination of flexibility, generality, and technical adaptability. To enable
future conversion, structural constraints need to be minimized at early design stages,
fixed cores should be strategically positioned, and floor slabs should be dimensioned
with residential requirements in mind. At the same time, adaptable buildings require a
more general design approach than what is optimal for office use alone.
Discussion – The results of the study are consistent with previous research highlighting
that building geometry and daylight conditions are important factors influencing the
feasibility of conversion. The discussion further indicate that economic conditions can
constitute a significant limitation, as they affect which technical solutions can be
implemented in practice. The study also supports previous research emphasizing
adaptive reuse as a strategy for contributing to increased environmental and social
sustainability. The results indicate that early design decisions can improve the
conditions for future conversions and thereby contribute to a more resource-efficient
use of buildings.