Structural and civil engineering design for award-winning new build in Beaconsfield
Cedar House, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire
International Property Awards 2025–26 Winner
- Best Residential Property, Buckinghamshire
- Best Architecture Single Residence, Buckinghamshire
Project overview
Cedar House is a truly exceptional bespoke new build, set on one of Beaconsfield’s most sought-after roads within the Golden Triangle.
Delivered over four-storeys and extending to approximately 9,500 sq ft, this seven-bedroom private gated residence represents design excellence underpinned by considered, high-quality structural and civil engineering.
As the appointed structural engineering company, we were proud to act as structural and civil engineers on this project. We worked closely with the wider design and construction team to bring a highly ambitious vision to life. The property’s recognition at the International Property Awards 2025–26, where it won Best Residential Property Buckinghamshire and Best Architecture Single Residence Buckinghamshire, is a testament to the strength of that collaboration.
Engineering scope and design complexity
The property features a waterproof concrete basement extending beneath approximately two-thirds of the plot. Above ground, the structure comprises a traditional build with concrete floors and a room-in-roof configuration formed using trusses.
From a structural engineer’s perspective, the project had several technical elements to consider. The proximity of neighbouring properties required contiguous piling along one flank of the basement, while high shrink clay conditions and tree influence on the opposite side of the site necessitated deep trench foundations. These constraints required careful coordination between ground conditions, structural design and construction methodology to ensure long-term performance and buildability.
Structural innovation and open plan living
One of the defining engineering challenges arose from the client’s request to remove a structural column at the intersection of two large bifold doors, creating uninterrupted views into the garden. The column supported two primary beams, which in turn carried additional beams, precast planks, walls and trusses.
Removing the column required a carefully engineered solution that maintained sufficient load-bearing capacity. As the beam acted as a lintel for part of its length, detailing was critical to avoid cold bridging and consider compound deflection. It also needed to satisfy the proposed floor and lintel levels. Although retaining the column was initially considered, the final coordinated solution involved its removal. Through close collaboration with the architect, a seamless outcome was achieved without compromising the architectural intent and the client was delighted with the final result.
Civil and drainage engineering
In addition to the structural works, our role as civil and structural engineers involved coordination of basement construction, waterproofing interfaces and site-wide drainage considerations, ensuring the infrastructure performed as effectively below ground as the architecture does above it.
A home designed for modern luxury living
Cedar House has been designed around modern luxury family living and incorporates extensive leisure facilities including a games room, cinema, gym, steam room, sauna and staff accommodation. Triple-storey galleried landings allow natural light to flow through the property, while integrated systems such as air conditioning, MVHR, home automation and an acoustically prepared cinema support a highly refined living environment.
Recognition through collaboration
Cedar House stands as a strong example of how architectural ambition and thoughtful engineering can work hand in hand.
We congratulate EAB Homes, Ascot Design and the clients on this well-deserved international recognition and are proud to have contributed to a project that showcases the value of collaborative, high-quality residential engineering.
