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Retrofit Market

Unlocking Value in Older Buildings: Sustainable Renovation Solutions

By Advanced Aerogels Strategy Team • January 15, 2026 • 6 min read

The Retrofit Opportunity

The Existing Building Challenge: A substantial proportion of the buildings expected to be in use in 2050 already exist today. Improving the energy performance of this existing building stock is widely recognised as a critical component of long-term decarbonisation efforts in the built environment.
Structural and Design Constraints: Many older and heritage buildings were not designed to accommodate the weight or thickness associated with conventional insulation systems. These constraints can limit retrofit options, particularly where structural capacity or architectural preservation is a concern.
Lightweight Retrofit Approaches: Aerogel-enhanced plaster systems are designed to support thermal upgrades while minimising additional load and visual impact. Such systems may be suitable for retrofit scenarios where traditional insulation methods are impractical.

The Shift Toward Renovation

Across the construction sector, there is increasing focus on extending the service life of existing assets rather than replacing them. As embodied carbon becomes a more prominent consideration in project planning, renovation and adaptive reuse are often evaluated as lower-impact alternatives to demolition and rebuild.

However, upgrading buildings constructed decades—or even centuries—ago to contemporary energy expectations presents technical challenges. In many cases, physical limitations of the structure, rather than project intent, define what is feasible.

Limitations of Conventional Retrofit Systems

Standard External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) typically rely on relatively thick insulation layers and cement-based finishes. In older buildings, these approaches may introduce several risks:

Structural Load Increase: Additional façade weight may exceed original design assumptions.
Moisture Management Challenges: Some insulation systems can reduce vapour permeability, increasing the risk of moisture accumulation within traditional masonry assemblies.
Impact on Architectural Detail: Thick, planar systems may obscure or alter historic façade features.

AeroSafe Insulating Plaster: Design Intent

Advanced Aerogels has developed AeroSafe Insulating Plaster to address retrofit scenarios where weight, thickness, and surface conformity are critical considerations. The product incorporates aerogel particles into a plaster-based system to support thermal performance in a thinner, lighter format.

Key Design Characteristics

Reduced Density Formulated to be lighter than many conventional render systems, potentially reducing imposed loads on existing structures.

Vapour-Permeable Composition Designed to allow moisture vapour movement, supporting traditional wall assemblies when appropriately specified.

Adaptable Application Can be applied by spray or trowel, allowing conformity to curved or detailed surfaces.

Space-Efficient Upgrade Enables thermal improvement without materially reducing internal floor area.

Heritage and Performance Considerations

For heritage or architecturally sensitive buildings, aerogel-enhanced plasters may offer a pathway to improve thermal performance while maintaining the visual character of traditional finishes. Suitability will depend on project-specific requirements, regulatory approvals, and detailed design assessment.

Conclusion

Improving the energy performance of older buildings does not necessarily require compromising their structural integrity or architectural character. With careful material selection and design, advanced insulation approaches can support more sustainable use of existing assets and help extend their functional lifespan.

Revitalize Your Asset Portfolio

Learn more about AeroSafe Plaster specifications for renovation projects.

Download Renovation Guide