From Factories to Homes: A Comparative Analysis of Adaptive Reuse in New England Industrial Buildings for Multi-Family Residential Conversion

The adaptive reuse of industrial buildings offers a promising path toward sustainable urban development, particularly in New England. This study investigates the feasibility and energy efficiency of converting an older, unused industrial building into a multi-family residential structure by evaluating three distinct wall assemblies that preserves the exterior brick facade: existing structural brick, a typical adapted wall assembly with interior 2x4 wood construction, and a high-efficiency adapted wall assembly with an additional interior 2x6 wood construction. Through a detailed case study analysis focusing on the building’s core and shell, this research aims to identify the most effective wall assembly for adaptive reuse, assessing key factors such as compatibility with existing infrastructure, energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality. Though this study provides valuable insights into industrial-to-residential conversions, its findings are limited by data availability and the specific characteristics of the chosen case study. Utilizing building simulations and expert interviews, this research advances understanding of adaptive reuse strategies and offers guidance for sustainable urban development in the Northeastern United States and similar regions worldwide.