Double-Storey Front Extension and Open-Plan Transformation
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Project Overview
This residential project involved the structural design of a double-storey front extension and significant internal alterations to a 1960s property.
The proposed extension would provide larger bedrooms and a dedicated study on the first floor, while the ground floor would be reconfigured to accommodate an open-plan living area, a larger kitchen and a new home office.
Working alongside Dobra Villa Architects, Pavol Zajac Structural Engineers Ltd. was appointed to develop the structural design needed to support these changes.
The aim was to create a brighter, more spacious family home, seamlessly connecting the new extension with the existing property while keeping the structural solution as cost-effective as possible.
Structural design was completed in August 2024.
The Challenge
The architectural design called for a substantial transformation of the ground floor, creating an open-plan layout with a seamless transition between the original house and the new extension.
A key requirement was to avoid intrusive structural elements, such as projecting piers or wall sections, that could interrupt the flow of the space.
Removing these obstructions while maintaining the building's structural stability required a carefully considered engineering solution.
The design also needed to balance the architectural ambitions with the client's budget, ensuring the proposed alterations were practical and cost-effective to construct.
Our Solution
We developed a structural design incorporating steel goalpost frames to support the proposed open-plan layout while maintaining the stability of the property.
Steel Goalpost Frame Design
The steel goalpost frames were designed to provide the lateral support required by the altered structure without introducing unwanted projections into the living space.
This approach allowed the architectural layout to remain open and uninterrupted, helping the existing house and new extension function as one cohesive space.
Supporting the Internal Alterations
The structural design accommodated the significant changes to the ground-floor layout, allowing the proposed larger kitchen, living area and home office to be incorporated into the plans.
Practical and Cost-Effective Engineering
Working alongside the architectural designer, we developed a solution that met the structural requirements while supporting the client's objective of achieving the proposed transformation as economically as possible.
The Result
The completed structural design provides a practical solution for transforming the 1960s property into a more spacious and flexible family home.
By incorporating steel goalpost frames, the design allows for an open-plan ground floor with minimal structural obstruction and a seamless connection between the original building and the new extension.
The project demonstrates how carefully planned structural engineering can support ambitious residential extensions and internal alterations while balancing design, stability and cost.
With the structural design completed in August 2024, the project was able to progress towards construction.
