Rescuing Architecture: Saving Homes From Demolition with Glyn Lewis, Founder at Renewal Development

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In this enlightening conversation, Glyn Lewis, Founder and CEO of Renewal Development, reveals the surprising economics behind home relocation: each rescued home contains 100 tons of raw materials and 23 tons of embodied carbon that would otherwise go to waste. His company operates as a comprehensive service provider—handling demolition contracts for developers, coordinating the complex logistics of moving structures, and renovating them to become energy-efficient, affordable homes in non-urban communities. The result? Housing that costs 40–60% less than new construction.

What makes this approach truly groundbreaking is how it transforms a wasteful process into a solution that addresses multiple crises simultaneously. While urban areas gain needed density, rural and First Nations communities receive quality, affordable housing. Historic craftsmanship and materials that couldn’t be replicated today are preserved rather than destroyed.

As Glyn puts it, "Renewal is a campaign disguised as a company"—a vision for reshaping how we build communities and value our existing resources. Listen now to discover how this innovative model could transform housing across North America, one rescued home at a time.

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