DOMESTIC PROJECTS
Designing homes to live and extending them to grow into
Thinking of creating more space? We can provide calculations and structural drawings for your builder. Are you buying a house? We can undertake specialist survey reports that are comprehensive and clear.
Has your property developed a defect? We can inspect and report on remediation required.
Costs for all work is agreed upfront and tailored to your budget.
Work is completed by a Chartered Structural Engineer.
For additional peace of mind Kirkwood Structures carries appropriate PI insurance.
Please find below some examples of projects and solutions and an FAQ on what a structural engineer is.
PAST PROJECTS
Solutions we've found
SAFFRON WALDON EXTENSION
The project was featured on George Clarkes Ugly House to Lovely House show and involved extending a detached 1970's house into and over the garage along with a rear extension. The roof was kept and strengthened through an expressed structural feature in the vaulted ceiling that George himself loved.
NEW BUILD PASSIVHAUS
The first of a number of Passivhaus projects undertaken by Kirkwood Structures. This one constructed from the Velox building system which forms a concrete shell externally insulated. A thermally isolated steel balcony is hidden by the cladding providing beautiful views over the valley.
WHADDON LOFT CONVERSION
The property was a single storey bungalow and has doubled its internal area with an extensive loft conversion and extension. The works were completed using timber as much as possible to reduce the embodied carbon and also reduce the weight of materials that needed lifting due to poor access for a crane.
MELDRETH GARDEN OFFICE
This garden office is bespoke, it is larger than the permitted planning allowance but then benefits from a tighter fit to the side plot that was avaliable. It is constructed in timber frame and a raft foundation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For Homeowners
WHAT IS A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER?
A Structural Engineer is trained to understand, predict, and calculate the stability, strength and rigidity of buildings and nonbuilding structures. Along with other designers they develop integrated safe designs and supervise construction of projects on site.
HOW QUALIFIED IS A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER?
A Chartered Structural Engineer would have undertaken 3-4 years of higher education such as a Masters degree, then approximately 5 years as a Graduate before appling to be a Chartered Structural Engineer through the Institution of Structural Engineers. This involves a lever arch folder of experience and an interview followed by a 7 hour exam.
HOW IS THAT DIFFERENT TO AN ARCHITECT OR AN ARCHITECTURAL TECHNICIAN?
Architects are involved in the planning and designing of a building but the elements they design are more focused on the feel and the space rather than the structure. Architects have input into all the disciplines such as electrical, mechanical and environmental engineering but Structural Engineers then provide specialist and detailed information on the design, specification and detailing of the structure.
WHY DO I NEED A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER?
Aside from the peace of mind that the structure has been reviewed by an appropriate professional, works in the UK should be completed with notice to Building Control who review and sign off work against Building Regulations. Failure to obtain building regulations approval is usually an issue when selling, insuring or mortgaging your home.
DO I NEED BOTH AN ARCHITECT AND A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER?
If the works involve change to the structure then its very likely that you will either need a structural engineer or benefit from the appointment of one. The Institution of Structural Engineers has some very useful guidance - https://www.istructe.org/building-confidence
WHY CHOOSE KIRKWOOD STRUCTURES?
Headed up by an award winning founder and principal who uses modern methods of construction mixed with traditional detailing to bring together efficient designs. Kirkwood Structures will work with you on your project, respond to your budget and communicate clearly options and recommendations, this is a strong foundation to any project. Please don't hesitate to get in touch about your project for a quote.