We’re often asked about what happens to projects as they come to the end of their life. In very broad terms, the answer is that they are either stored, recycled, or reinstated elsewhere. Of these, reinstatement is the option that requires most consideration, and this article sets out how we approach this challenge.

Some projects have a second life planned from the outset, with their eventual destination clearly defined. Others are expected to be reinstated, but their future location remains undetermined. There is also a third scenario in which reinstatement was never part of the original brief, but the success of a project inspires a desire to extend its life indefinitely.

Understanding a project’s intended future can significantly influence the design process. Where a successive destination in known, environmental conditions may require materials to be substituted, particularly when moving a project between different climates. Timber, for example, may need reconsideration when a structure moves from a temperate environment to a tropical one, where termite exposure and humidity can present additional challenges.

Whether the eventual location is known or not, good design thinking can still be applied. For instance, connection details can be developed with demountability in mind. This makes dismantling, transporting and rebuilding the structure more straightforward, reducing unnecessary waste and disruption.

Longevity is another important consideration. A structure designed for a six-month installation may not withstand years of weather exposure and public use without modification or maintenance. Extending its lifespan can therefore involve changes to materials, finishes, fixings or structural details, alongside a programme of regular inspections.

Material substitution requires research, design development and if implemented will likely incur additional cost. As will longer-term maintenance schedules. But to consider these implications ahead of a future installation can increase the potential for reinstatement.

The Different Forms of Reinstatement

Here, we offer three projects that illustrate how reinstatement can take different forms, from a relatively straightforward relocation to a long-term home that was never anticipated at the outset.

The Cloud

Sou Fujimoto’s Cloud Pavilion first came to life in Kensington Gardens during the summer of 2013 as part of the Serpentine Galleries’ annual pavilion programme. Three years later, the structure was rebuilt in Tirana, the capital of Albania, where it continues to provide a distinctive public space.

Despite the change in climate, the structure required very little adaptation. Beyond refreshing the paint finish, the original design proved suitable for its new environment. This demonstrates the value of a well-considered design and the potential for temporary architecture to find a lasting purpose elsewhere.

The relocation was also made more straightforward through the availability of our as-built drawings. These provided the information needed by a local installation team to reconstruct the pavilion, with technical guidance from a single Stage One representative.

Smiljan Radić Pavilion

Staying with the Serpentine Pavilions, the 2014 structure designed by Smiljan Radić moved from its original home in Kensington Gardens to Hauser & Wirth in Somerset in 2015. It has remained there ever since, enjoying a second life that has extended far beyond its original exhibition.

Unlike a short-term installation, a structure that remains in place for years requires an ongoing commitment to inspection and maintenance. Stage One visits the site annually to assess structural performance, material degradation and the condition of its finishes. These inspections help identify any deterioration and establish whether remedial work is needed to preserve the pavilion’s integrity.

The contrast between its original six-month design life and its continued presence in Somerset highlights an important consideration in reinstatement: relocation is only part of the process. A successful second life also depends on understanding how materials and components will perform over time, and responding appropriately as the structure ages.

The Hive

Wolfgang Buttress’s Hive was commissioned as the UK Pavilion at Expo 2015 in Milan. An intricate and graceful structure, it was designed for a six-month stay at the international exposition. However, its distinctive design and the recognition it received through numerous awards prompted a desire to find it a new home once the Expo concluded.

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew was selected as its next destination, initially for a period of just one year. The pavilion proved so popular, however, that this temporary arrangement became a much longer commitment. In 2025, the Hive celebrated ten years at Kew, demonstrating how a project can develop a life well beyond its original brief.

Although the structure remains largely unchanged, some adaptations were needed to help it sit sensitively within its new landscape. This is an important distinction: successful reinstatement is not always about reproducing a project exactly as it was. Sometimes, changes are necessary to respond to a different setting and ensure the structure feels at home.

As with the Smiljan Radić Pavilion, we carry out annual inspections, checking the mechanical connections to ensure continued structural safety. The Hive now appears beautifully established in its unexpected home, offering a striking example of how temporary architecture can become a lasting part of a place.

Giving Projects a Second Life

It’s always a pleasure to give new life to existing projects. Reinstatement is not suitable for every scheme, and each relocation brings its own technical, environmental and design challenges. Nevertheless, when a project can be adapted and enjoyed in a new setting, the benefits extend beyond simply preserving an existing structure.

By planning for dismantling, reusing materials and maintaining projects over time, we can reduce waste and make better use of the resources invested in their creation. Equally, reinstatement allows projects to reach new audiences and develop a lasting relationship with places that may never have been envisaged at the design stage.