Single-Storey Side and Rear Extension with Vaulted Ceiling
Nazeing, Broxbourne, Essex
Project Overview
This residential project in Nazeing involved the structural design of a single-storey side and rear extension, alongside alterations to the existing property.
The proposed layout included substantial new openings to connect the existing house with the extensions, as well as a vaulted ceiling to create a more spacious feel within the new rear living area.
Working alongside the architectural designer, Pavol Zajac Structural Engineers Ltd. was appointed to provide the structural drawings and calculations needed to support the proposed design.
The Challenge
Creating the proposed extensions required careful consideration of how the new structures would connect with and be supported by the existing property.
The design presented several structural challenges, including:
Large structural openings: New openings within the existing house required appropriate steelwork to support the loads above.
Vaulted ceiling design: The rear extension needed a structural roof arrangement that would accommodate the proposed vaulted ceiling.
Roof support: The structural scheme needed to account for the loads transferred through the new roof structure.
Foundation design: Nearby trees influenced the required foundation depths, making it necessary to develop a suitable foundation arrangement for different areas of the extension.
The objective was to provide a coordinated structural solution that supported the architectural proposals while remaining practical for construction.
Our Solution
We developed a structural design incorporating steel beams, columns, structural ridge beams, timber rafters and local bracing.
Steelwork for the New Openings
Structural steel beams and columns were designed to support the enlarged openings within the existing property, allowing the proposed internal layout to be accommodated.
The design also included the necessary structural connections and padstones to provide appropriate support for the new steelwork.
Structural Design for the Vaulted Ceiling
The vaulted ceiling was a key feature of the rear extension.
To achieve the proposed roof arrangement, structural steel ridge beams were incorporated into the design, with the remaining roof structure formed using timber rafters.
This provided a structural solution compatible with the architectural intention of creating an open, vaulted ceiling.
Foundation Design Around Nearby Trees
The presence of nearby trees was an important consideration when designing the foundations.
Foundation depths were specified to suit the site conditions and the potential influence of the trees, varying across the extension and reaching approximately 1.85 metres in the most affected areas.
Where required, sequenced excavation was also specified to support a practical approach to the foundation works.
The Result
A coordinated package of structural drawings and calculations was produced for the proposed side and rear extensions.
The design covered the primary structural steelwork, roof structure, connections, padstones and foundations, providing the information needed to support Building Regulations requirements and guide the construction team.
The structural solution accommodates the proposed internal alterations and vaulted ceiling while addressing the specific foundation considerations associated with the site.
This project is ongoing, with further updates and completed-project photographs to be added when available.
