Bespoke Residential Development
West Thorn Farm is a new build dwelling located in the popular area of Ponteland, Northumberland.
Project Overview
West Thorn Farm is a new build dwelling located in the popular area of Ponteland, Northumberland. The project involved the construction of two new load bearing masonry dwellings.
The building comprises of a load bearing masonry structure with apex structural steelwork provided to achieve the floor to ceiling glazed facades to the front and rear elevations.
The main design challenge was the roof structure due to the requirement of internal vaulted ceilings throughout the 1st floor level.
The provision of steel ridge beams was used to support the laid in timber roof rafters with plywood fixed to the underside to create a rigid diaphragm meaning that the roof could act like a robust beam.
New Build Residential Development
Architects, Structural Engineers, and Construction Contractors
Project Challenges
One of the key design challenges was the roof structure. The client required internal vaulted ceilings across the entire first floor, which meant conventional truss solutions could not be used.
The Solution
To overcome this, we introduced steel ridge beams to provide the necessary support while accommodating the vaulted ceiling design.
Timber roof rafters were laid into the steel framework, and plywood was fixed to the underside to create a rigid diaphragm.
This solution enabled the roof to act as a robust beam, distributing loads effectively while maintaining the architectural intent.
The Outcome
The project successfully delivered two striking new build dwellings that combine expansive glazed features with open vaulted interiors.
The collaboration between structural and architectural design ensured the homes achieved both aesthetic ambition and long-term structural performance.