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)

Structural Engineering Services, Steel Connection Design

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.

Why Clients Choose The Home Engineers

Cannot recommend THE Newcastle highly enough. Twice we have used Shaun and the team in the past year, both times have had a positive experience with them. After buying our house, we realised that there may be some structural issues. THE visited the site promptly and diagnosed the issue, explaining in clear and easy terms what we needed to do to correct this issue. We have subsequently used Shaun and the team again to produce the structural designs for the extension we are putting on the house.

Owen Burbidge

We engaged The Home Engineers on the recommendation of our building surveyor for a prospective purchase. They surveyed the roof space and advised on a way to stabilise the deflected purlins which we will undertake. Very responsive to questions and clear in advice.

Mark Worthington

My architectural design practice has worked with Shaun and the team for the past 6 years. Their work is always first class with drawings and calculations delivered in a timely manner. I highly recommend their services.

Paul Bell

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