Retain, Repair, Reinvest: An International Catalogue of Precast Panel Refurbishment Projects

3 Apr

This is the first research report to compile a global catalogue of precast panel refurbishment projects, aiming to inspire a shift in how aging public housing stock is viewed and managed.

Through collaboration, engaged design, and innovative solutions, renewal - not demolition - can become a viable path forward.

The report presents 19 international case studies of multi-residential buildings originally constructed using various precast concrete systems.

Each project demonstrates how refurbishment can enhance environmental performance, improve living conditions, and extend the lifespan of existing structures while avoiding the economic and ecological costs of demolition. While further research into tenant satisfaction, energy performance, and cost comparisons is needed, this collection of case studies provides a valuable foundation for rethinking public housing renewal strategies.

This research also responds to the Victorian government’s plan to demolish all 44 high-rise public housing towers on the basis that their precast panel construction makes refurbishment unfeasible. However, this study presents evidence that similar structures worldwide have been successfully retrofitted to contemporary standards, offering a viable alternative that prioritises sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and social responsibility.

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