Structural Design for A Residential Dwelling
The Dell in Morpeth, Northumberland.
Project Overview
The Dell sits on a highly constrained site where proportion, orientation and steep topography challenged a conventional domestic layout. Overshadowing from a mature wood to the south compounded the brief, pushing the team toward an inventive plan and robust structural strategy. We collaborated with Elliott Architects to deliver the appropriate structural solutions.
Residential dwelling (bespoke house)
- Elliott Architects
- The Home Engineers (Structural)
Project Challenges
The Dell’s site posed multiple challenges for both layout and structure. A steep fall from back to front, combined with overshadowing from woodland, created an environment where a standard house plan would not work.
This meant that careful attention had to be given to structural stability on the sloping ground, while also ensuring the building could make the most of limited natural light.
At the same time, the plot demanded a layout that maintained clear zoning between public and private areas despite its constraints.
The Solution
We worked closely with Elliott Architects to develop a cruciform plan that subdivided the site into distinct zones, each responding directly to the challenges of topography and light.
Our structural solutions were carefully aligned to the architectural vision, allowing the building to sit naturally on the site while remaining practical to construct.
By coordinating the frame to handle complex levels and geometry, and integrating the necessary detailing, we ensured the final design was both coherent and buildable.
The Outcome
The result is a light-aware, well-zoned dwelling that successfully overcomes the steep terrain and woodland overshadowing.
The cruciform plan, supported by our structural input, created a home that feels functional, stable, and sympathetic to its surroundings.
The finished design delivers a bespoke dwelling that is adapted to its unique setting, structurally efficient for long-term performance, and backed by a coordinated package that allowed smooth delivery on site.
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