Blythe House, Beaconsfield
Project Overview
- Project: Blythe House
- Location: Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire
- Project type: Bespoke dwelling
- Size: 6,500 sq/ft
- Build cost: Circa £1.5m
- Architect: DP Architects
- Client: EAB Homes
Our role
We were appointed by EAB Homes following receipt of planning permission to provide structural and civil engineering design services for this high-specification, bespoke family home. The property was designed as a 2.5-storey detached dwelling featuring traditional load-bearing masonry construction.
We played a crucial role in overcoming foundation challenges, particularly the unexpected discovery of a 3m deep mass of concrete. By adapting the design and issuing a revised engineering detail, we avoided costly and carbon-intensive removal, ensuring an efficient and sustainable solution.
Structural and civil engineering design considerations
1. Structural framework
- The property features traditional load-bearing masonry construction, ensuring robust and durable structural integrity.
- Ground and first floors were constructed using beam and block flooring systems, offering a balance of strength and efficiency.
- The second floor and roof were designed as a timber frame structure, supplied and installed by a specialist provider.
2. Site challenges and solutions
A notable challenge arose during foundation excavation when a 3m deep mass of concrete was discovered directly in the path of the proposed foundation line. Founder of dbstructural Darren Ball attended the site to assess the situation, as the groundworkers were struggling to remove the concrete. Recognising the inefficiency and high carbon footprint of full removal, dbstructural issued a revised engineering detail to leave the concrete mass in place and work around it — reducing costs and environmental impact.
3. Internal finishing considerations
Traditional ‘wet plaster’ was specified for internal walls instead of dot and dab plasterboard to ensure that any concealed structural elements, such as columns, did not protrude beyond the block face.
4. External masonry design
No movement joints were required in the external brickwork due to the use of Limetec HLM 2.5 lime mortar, which provides better flexibility and durability.
5. Drainage design
- Foul drainage was integrated into the existing network at the front of the property.
- Surface water drainage was directed to a crate-type soakaway in the rear garden.
- The surface water drainage network was modelled using Causeway Flow, optimising both the arrangement and soakaway size for maximum efficiency.
Outcome
Blythe House was successfully delivered with a well-engineered, cost-effective, and resourceful structural design. By addressing site challenges pragmatically and leveraging existing features along with advanced modelling tools, we ensured the project met both structural and environmental performance standards.
This highlights the importance of practical engineering solutions, particularly in addressing unexpected site conditions and optimising structural elements.
For structural engineers facing similar challenges, Blythe House serves as an example of balancing technical excellence, cost efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
Having now worked with Darren and the team at dbstructural across a number of high-end residential client builds, we can say with first-hand experience and confidence that they consistently demonstrate professionalism, expertise, and dedication to delivering top-notch results. Peter Warren | EAB Homes
– Take a closer look –
