Jakub (CEng MICE)
London, UK
Side & Rear Extension
Structural Design & Calculations
Completed
Open-Plan Transformation – Side and rear extension
The Vision
Dorcas wanted to transform her home with a large, single-story wrap-around extension. Her goal was to create a spacious rear living room and a side extension for a new utility room and office. To make the space feel truly modern, she envisioned large skylights to flood the rooms with natural light and a wide structural opening to create a seamless flow between the original house and the new extension.
The Challenge
The primary engineering challenge was the “big opening.” To achieve a completely open-plan feel, we had to design significant structural supports to carry the weight of the existing house over a wide span. Additionally, the roof structure needed precise engineering to accommodate the large skylights while maintaining full structural integrity.
Our Approach
We focused on technical precision and proactive communication to ensure the project moved smoothly from design to reality:
- On-Site Expert Collaboration: We arranged a site visit and invited the Building Control Officer to attend at our request. By discussing the structural requirements for the large openings and roof spans face-to-face, we ensured the design met all regulatory standards from the start.
- Architectural Integration: We coordinated closely with the Architect, taking precise measurements to ensure the structural steelwork (RSJs) stayed hidden or integrated perfectly with the high-ceiling design and skylight placements.
- Advanced Structural Design: We engineered the heavy-duty steel beams required to create the wide connection between the old and new spaces, along with the specialised framing needed for the skylight installations.
- Successful Approval: We provided a comprehensive design package that led to a smooth approval from Building Control, giving Dorcas the green light to begin her build without delay.
Construction Phase: With our detailed structural drawings as their guide, the builders were able to execute the project safely, ensuring the large openings were perfectly supported.
The Outcome
The result is a stunning, light-filled extension that has completely changed the way Dorcas lives in her home. By combining the new living area, office, and utility space with a wide, open-plan layout, we helped her achieve a home that is as functional as it is beautiful.