Complete your retrofitting projects with SFA Saniflo
June 2025
Why Retrofit and Why Saniflo?
One of the booming areas of the construction sector right now is retrofit – whether that is change of use or simply upgrading the facilities in an existing premises. Driven by government initiatives and the increasing need for energy efficiency, the market is expected to see significant expansion in the coming years.
The benefits of retrofit are clear. It can save around 60% of costs compared to new builds and also reduces construction waste while speeding up project completion times. For developers, this can make the process a more appealing option than rebuilding and for local authorities it means extra facilities for less money and minimised timescales.
Environmental benefits include reduced carbon emissions, improved energy efficiency and the use of fewer raw materials than new build. Lower energy consumption means lower bills and a transformed building will usually increase its value too.
Where does Saniflo fit into the picture?
Saniflo products can and do play an integral role in many retrofitting projects. Older buildings tend to lack the drainage infrastructure of more modern buildings and one of the most efficient and cost-effective solutions is to install pumps and macerators to discharge waste through small bore pipework rather than try and rework the entire plumbing system.
Take the brand new state-of-the-art Bristol Dental University. The closed building – formerly a major bank – was identified as ideal for a new base for the dental school. Thanks to a number of Saniflo pumps the plumbers were able to install some 119 dental chairs and basins for the students with the waste being discharged to a Sanifos 610 in the basement and pumped up to street level drainage. The unit also takes the condensate waste from the air conditioning units located in the basement, whilst a second Sanifos is used for excess water during routine maintenance and cleaning. Without the pumps the clinical rooms for training the dentists would not have been possible.
Kinedo shower products for retrofit projects
Whilst Saniflo pumps provide exceptional waste discharge solutions, Kinedo all-in-one cubicles have featured in a number of change-of-use projects thanks to various advantages.
Quick and easy installation
No silicone or grout required
Immediate use after installation
Whole package including tray, panels and door, internal panels and brassware
Kinedo cubicles were used in the conversion of an office premises into over 100 apartments in Peterborough to save installation time and reduce follow-on trades. In an office building in Cambridge Kinedo cubicles were able to be installed against bare walls in a former store cupboard to provide staff showering facilities. Thanks to the internal glass panels no tanking was required and the job was completed in under a day.
Retrofit 25 showcases Saniflo and Kinedo
Retrofit 25 is a 6-month exhibition running from March to September 2025 in the London Build Centre which is exploring the solutions that are helping the construction sector to navigate the barriers and uncover opportunities involved in retrofitting the built environment. Designed as a call to action to encourage communities, industries and policymakers to consider retrofit as a solution for current and future generations.
A Sanicompact WC with integrated macerator and a Kinedo Eden all-in-one shower cubicle are featured in the ‘house without walls’ in the exhibition to demonstrate waste discharge and bathroom solutions for retrofit projects.