Archive

Feb 2019

Pitched roof for a garage conversion

On
by Andrew Horton

Garage conversion beforeWhen our customer bought a split-level bungalow in Kingsbridge, it was always their intention to convert their integral garage to create a larger space for a kitchen-diner, but they did not want it to look like an obvious garage conversion.

Working with PCA, Simon French (RSL Surveyors) and local builder Tristan Couch, from TJ Couch Building, a pitched roof was added to the conversion to help it blend in with the rest of the property.

Garage conversion steelThe extra load of the roof and new 3-metre window meant a new steel beam was required to support the timber-framed extension and new-look roof line.

Existing composite trussed rafters had to be cut back with strengthened ends that could be supported off the new steel and maintain a level ceiling from the old section of house into the new extension. PCA helped progress with ad-hoc site visits as required to ensure the builder was not delayed at any point.

Garage conversion internalOur customer John Moore said: “PCA helped us realise our plans for our home. It is very easy to imagine what you want to achieve but there is always more to it than the building work. We are grateful for Andrew Horton’s advice and used PCA again when we extended the back of the house too.”

If you have a building project in mind, you may require advice on ensuring your plans are structurally sound. Your architect, surveyor or builder should advise you to seek out a structural engineer. If you have any doubts, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Newton’s Place starts to take shape

On
by Sophia Darke

Work has begun on a £2.2 million conversion of a Grade II-listed former 19th Century church in Newton Abbot.

Part-funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Newton’s Place project will provide a new accessible museum, community space and council offices.

Newton's Place conservationPCA’s structural and conservation engineering expert Paul Carpenter has been working on this interesting project for more than two years and was initially called in to survey the former St Leonard’s Church in Wolborough Street, on behalf of Newton Abbot Town Council in August 2016.

He has been working with the architect, Jeremy Newcombe of LSN Architects, advising on the conservation and conversion works, which will include the insertion of two new floor structures, a lift and staircases within part of the building.
Newton's Place external damage
Paul said: “The church had been unused for many years before the council purchased it, but although it has suffered some deterioration, it is in very fair condition and was originally well built. Once sensitively repaired and converted to its new use, it will provide a valuable community facility for the town.”

South West construction firm Pollard have been appointed to carry out the building work, with the proposed opening of Newton’s Place in the winter of 2019/20.