Swallow Enterprise Park, Hailsham, East Sussex
Commercial structural engineer design for East Sussex industrial units
Project: Commercial steel frame units
Location: Swallow Enterprise Park, Hailsham in East Sussex
Building area: 9,750m²
Our services: Structural Engineer
Project overview
As a commercial structural engineer operating in East Sussex, we were appointed to deliver structural engineering input for seven steel framed commercial units.
Appointed for Phase 5 of this Swallow Business Park development in Hailsham, the project comprised seven steel framed commercial units with a total gross internal area of 9,750m².
Our appointment focused on structural engineering, supporting the delivery of a practical, efficient and buildable solution across a complex site with mixed foundation solutions.
Engineering approach
All units were designed as steel framed structures, with our structural engineers leading on both the overall steel frame design and the detailed steelwork connections. This is a key part of how we engineer differently, as connection design is often treated as an additional cost by others in the industry due to fabricator sourcing.
The design was carried out using Tekla Building Designer and Tekla Portal Frame Designer, allowing for accurate modelling, coordination and efficient delivery across all units.
Key challenges
The primary challenge on this project was the variation in ground conditions across the site, combined with the proximity of existing trees. This required a considered and flexible foundation strategy, with multiple foundation solutions adopted across different blocks.
Foundation solutions by block
Block B
Gross internal floor area 1,321m²
Foundation solution: piled slab
Blocks C and D
Each gross internal floor area 1,366m²
Foundation solution: pad foundations under columns with ground bearing slab and edge thickenings to the perimeter
Block E
Gross internal floor area 1,031m²
Foundation solution: piled slab
Block F
Gross internal floor area 1,464m²
Foundation solution: mixed foundation approach. Part pad foundation with ground bearing slab, part pad and beam foundation with suspended slab due to varying ground conditions and nearby trees.
We advised against the use of a mixed foundation system due to the risk of differential settlement. However, a suitable junction detail was agreed with the client to mitigate this risk effectively
Blocks G1 and G2
Gross internal floor area 1,968m² (g1) and 1,231m² (g2)
Foundation solution: similar mixed foundation approach to Block F
Outcome
Despite the complexities of the site, the project was successfully delivered through a combination of robust structural design, clear communication and practical problem solving.
Our ability as a chartered structural engineer in East Sussex to adapt foundation strategies while maintaining structural integrity ensured the development could proceed efficiently without compromising long term performance.
Commercial structural engineering solutions
This project highlights our capability as a commercial structural engineer to deliver complex steel frame design solutions across challenging sites. By integrating connection design as standard and proactively addressing ground related risks, we provide clients with greater certainty on cost, programme and buildability.
For developers seeking a structural engineer in East Sussex who approaches projects differently, this scheme demonstrates our commitment to practical engineering, transparency and technical excellence.
