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Sustainable transformation within a tight urban footprint


Project: Prescot House, Salford


Prescot House is a bold example of how existing assets can be reimagined — not replaced. Originally a 1980s sheltered housing block, the building had fallen short of modern accessibility, energy, and spatial standards. Architecture by Design was appointed by Salix Homes to lead the retrofit and renewal of the site, helping to deliver much-needed affordable homes while retaining the structure already in place.


With smart spatial planning, fabric-first improvements, and MMC-led enhancements, the reimagined Prescot House shows how regeneration can be low-carbon, low-disruption, and highly effective.


Reviving, Not Replacing

The original three-storey structure contained 15 small, outdated flats and was no longer fit for purpose. Instead of opting for demolition, the client chose to retain the frame and reconfigure the internal layout to deliver 18 high-quality homes, designed for modern living.

This approach not only preserved the building’s embodied carbon, it also minimised local disruption and reduced programme risk, while supporting the client’s broader sustainability agenda.


Key to the success of this transformation was the early use of digital tools to test layouts, drive compliance, and coordinate performance upgrades before work began on site.


Thoughtful Design Meets Fabric-First Principles

The retrofit approach was shaped by three key goals:

  • Create larger, lighter homes that meet Nationally Described Space Standards

  • Improve accessibility throughout the building

  • Reduce energy consumption and ongoing operational costs


The team achieved this by:

  • Stripping the internal layout and redesigning all apartments

  • Replacing the roof and installing new windows throughout

  • Upgrading insulation and fire protection

  • Retaining and recladding the existing structure

  • Integrating air source heat pumps and PV panels for clean energy use

  • Adding balconies and private outdoor space to all upper units


The building was also reconfigured to include a new entrance and stair core, creating a stronger street-facing identity and improved user experience.


MMC Integration for a Smarter Retrofit

While this was a retrofit-first project, modern methods of construction were key to delivery. Bathroom and utility pods were installed offsite and craned into position, reducing programme time, cost and construction waste. New services were coordinated using digital tools to ensure seamless installation and minimum disruption to retained elements.

Through close collaboration with the wider team, Architecture by Design was able to balance buildability, carbon performance, and design quality, while navigating all the constraints that come with a tight urban site.


A New Chapter for a Forgotten Building

Prescot House is now a landmark of small-scale regeneration. What was once an outdated, inefficient asset has become a sustainable, affordable, and energy-efficient place to live — delivered with far less carbon and disruption than a traditional rebuild. For Salix Homes and the residents of Salford, it’s proof that reimagining is often better than starting again.

"My home is so modern I don’t recognise it… I’m now looking forward to making it my home, whereas before it was just somewhere I lived." — Returning tenant, via Liverpool Echo


Project Details:

Location: Salford

Client: Salix Homes

Contractor: PLP Construction

Contract Value: £2.9 million

Scope: Whole-building retrofit and remodelling

Key Features:

  • 18 new affordable homes within an existing structure

  • Fabric-first energy strategy

  • Bathroom/utility pods delivered via MMC

  • Air source heat pumps + PV panels

Design Team:

  • Lead Architects: Architecture by Design

  • MEP: David Trowler Associates

  • Fire Consultant: Trident Building Consultancy

  • Structural Engineer: Ward Cole

  • QS: Wilkinson Cowan

  • Status: Completed

Tools & Standards:

  • Nationally Described Space Standards

  • MMC Category 5 (pods)

  • Digital coordination

  • PAS 2035-aligned retrofit approach


Impact Summary:

Prescot House shows how existing buildings can be reimagined through design-led retrofit. The project retained the embodied carbon of the structure, avoided demolition disruption, and delivered bigger, better homes for the people who need them most. Architecture by Design played a central role in making the scheme deliverable, efficient, and fit for the future - proving that retrofit isn’t just viable, it’s valuable.


Awards & Recognition:

  • CIH Sustainable Housing Awards – Transformation Winner

  • LABC High Commendation Award


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