Chapel Farm, Bedfordshire
- Architect: Design 92 Ltd
- Contractor: Poplars Construction
- Project type: Barn conversion
- Size of project: 4,000 sq ft (over two storeys)
- Location: Meppershall, Bedfordshire
Our role
We were appointed to provide structural engineering design for the conversion of an 18th-century timber frame barn. Initially, the contractor engaged us for a redesign after an on-site discussion revealed an opportunity to approach the foundation works differently. The original design, provided by another engineer, proposed a full reinforced concrete slab and underpin, but we identified a more efficient solution.
Project requirements and design process
The barn conversion required careful assessment and design due to its historic structure and new intended use. Our key tasks included:
- Conducting a survey and assessment of the existing barn structure, focusing on foundation options.
- Replacing the originally proposed full reinforced concrete slab and underpin method with a traditional underpinning arrangement to the external walls, which was accepted by the contractor.
- Replacing the previously designed reinforced concrete slab design with a more suitable ground-bearing slab for the ground floor.
- Designing and detailing the intermediate structure to support the new timber first-floor structure, including all bearings and connections.
- Performing a design check on the existing roof structure to assess its capacity for new roof loads. While the original timber trusses and frames remained in place, we introduced new ridge beams to provide additional support where needed.
Key takeaways
This project demonstrated the value of reassessing structural design choices in historic buildings. By challenging the original foundation design, we were able to simplify the construction process, reduce material costs, and preserve more of the barn’s character. Our input ensured a practical and efficient structural solution, balancing heritage conservation with modern construction standards.
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