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Working with Existing Buildings: Modern hinge technology for conversion and refurbishment

  • 4 MIN. READ
  • 2026-08-26

Hardly any trend shapes contemporary architecture as lastingly as the return to existing building stock. Where new build was once considered the default choice, repair, adaptive reuse, and reconstruction now take centre stage in design planning. Refurbishment over new build is therefore much more than an aesthetic preference for patina and historic fabric – it is a direct response to pressing questions and current demands in the construction industry.

Working with existing buildings as a sustainable strategy

Repairs, modernisations, conversions, and extensions demand special care from architects and specifiers: the existing building fabric must be preserved while simultaneously adapted to today's user requirements. Historic doors and their frames are often the exact point where heritage conservation standards and functional upgrades meet.

If a door leaf is replaced, the steel frame is often retained – for cost reasons, out of respect for the building fabric, or because a complete strip-out would not be technically and economically viable. For the subsequent installation of heavy-duty doors on existing steel frames, modern hinge technology is therefore essential, as it facilitates a sensitive, sustainable approach to existing components down to the last detail.

Keeping pace with
current requirements

Refurbishment projects must also comply with current standards and regulations. Requirements for fire protection and soundproofing are constantly evolving, and hinge technology must keep pace with these developments. There are also special safety precautions, such as finger guard protection – a priority that demands particular attention, especially in facilities for children, people with dementia or disabilities, and within public buildings.

Various models in the VARIANT range were developed for precisely these challenges and offering specifiers solutions that blend inconspicuously into existing building fabric without compromising on function or safety.

New door on an old frame:
retrofit upgrades

For the subsequent installation of a new door leaf onto old, existing steel frames, SIMONSWERK offers VARIANT Retrofit, a solution specifically developed for this application. New hinge receivers are created directly in the existing steel frame with minimal effort – by pressing in a blind rivet nut using the appropriate blind rivet pliers. This allows state-of-the-art hinge technology to be used as a retrofit hinge on a new door while the old steel frame remains in service. With a load capacity of up to 160 kg, the system is also suitable for demanding heavy-duty doors, frequently specified in refurbishment projects.

Cost-effective refurbishment, reliable specification

VARIANT Compact also bridges the gap between an existing structure and new build: by offsetting the hinge receiver into the door leaf, existing steel frames can be reused cost-effectively and with minimal installation effort. With a maximum knuckle diameter of 22.5 mm and load capacities of up to 200 kg, the hinge satisfies rigorous demands, even on high-traffic doors.

Because it is also suitable for functional doors with smoke control and fire rating requirements, VARIANT Compact supports refurbishment projects where the structural constraints of the existing building must be aligned with current safety objectives. An integrated cover for the receiver element in the door leaf ensures the technology remains completely hidden – a discreet design detail that complements historic spaces.

Hinge technology for the refurbishment
of historic buildings

Where historic preservation regulations set stricter constraints, classic solutions come into play. The so-called Berlin hinges are a proven choice for period property refurbishment and are available as a surface-mounted hinge in Model H – with powder-coated finishes available on request. Their profile blends in perfectly with the look of historic doors, allowing for an installation method that adapts to traditional construction methods rather than replacing them.

Summary

Refurbishments and conversions within existing structures demand hinge technology that unites two seemingly contradictory requirements: state-of-the-art technical performance and aesthetic restraint with the historic building fabric. VARIANT Retrofit, VARIANT Compact, and Berlin hinges provide hinge systems for various renovation scenarios. These systems safeguard existing steel frames while satisfying today's requirements for load capacity, fire and smoke protection, soundproofing, and safety.

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