Industrial to Residential Conversion
The Home Engineers provided structural designs to assist the re-use of a disused industrial unit in Whitley Bay.
Project Overview
This project relates to the development of a habitable dwelling which was to be formed by re-using a disused industrial unit in Whitley Bay. The building is an existing steel portal frame with masonry infill between columns. Steel trusses span between the columns which support steel purlins and laid-in timbers.
The proposal was to re-use the existing structure and modify (where necessary) to achieve a habitable dwelling for a private client.
The building does not have a ‘listing’ and is not particularly sensitive, however, due to the lack of maintenance the building had suffered from localised structural movement which has caused cracking in the masonry. The building was also generally just an ‘eyesore’ for the local community.
As part of the development, none of the existing steel structure was removed; all steel columns, beams, purlins and steel trusses remained in-situ. By reusing the existing steel portal frame structure, the embodied carbon footprint for the development was much lower in comparison to if the structure was built as new.
The re-use of the existing building and existing steelwork prevented the structure from deteriorating into disrepair, which could have had a negative impact on the surrounding area.
Industrial to Residential Conversion
Private Client, The Home Engineers (Structural)
Project Challenges
The primary challenge was addressing the existing building’s deterioration, including masonry cracking caused by localised movement.
At the same time, the structural design needed to adapt an industrial portal frame into a habitable dwelling without removing any of the existing structural steelwork.
The Solution
We developed a structural design that retained all the existing steel columns, beams, purlins, and trusses in-situ, introducing modifications only where necessary to achieve residential standards.
This approach allowed the portal frame to remain functional while providing the stability and safety required for a long-term residential use.
By reusing the existing steel structure, the project significantly reduced embodied carbon compared to constructing a new frame.
Our approach also prevented further deterioration of the building, avoiding a negative impact on the local community.
The Outcome
The disused industrial unit was successfully regenerated into a habitable dwelling, transforming a neglected eyesore into a valuable addition to the community.
The reuse of the existing steel frame not only delivered a sustainable solution with a reduced carbon footprint but also provided a modern, functional home for the client.
The project was awarded the 2024 Planet Award from the Institute of Structural Engineers, recognising our commitment to low-carbon design and construction.
Planet Award Winner – Marine Gardens, Whitley Bay
The Home Engineers were honoured with the Planet Award at the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) Northern Counties Structural Awards 2024 for their contribution to the Marine Gardens development in Whitley Bay.
The Planet Award celebrates projects that place sustainability, environmental responsibility, and long-term resilience at the heart of their design.
The Marine Gardens project was recognised for demonstrating how structural engineering can play a vital role in reducing environmental impact while delivering high-quality, functional spaces that enhance the built environment.
Working collaboratively with the wider project team, The Home Engineers developed structural solutions that supported sustainable construction principles, efficient use of materials, and a reduced carbon footprint.
The project balanced environmental performance with practical engineering requirements, creating a development that is both durable and future-focused.
Why Clients Choose The Home Engineers
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Whether you’re planning a home extension, conversion, or new build, our structural engineers are here to help. We’ll review your plans, advise on feasibility, and deliver tailored designs to bring your project to life.