Site constraints
Croft Structural Engineers were brought in late to this project as the previous engineer's performance was below par. The Party Wall Surveyor had recommended Croft, as he knew that we had the skills and aptitude to see the project through. The project had all the challenges that Croft Structural + Civil is so good at working with, such as very tight access, close proximity to neighbouring structures and the client's wish for large open plan living areas.
Providing the correct solution
To cope with the large open plan spaces a steel frame was utilised, to improve the quality of the build and sound transfer concrete floors were inserted. This project took the ideas and concepts normally found in large office developments and tailored them to suit this domestic project.
3,500 sq. ft of internal space across two levels. It is tucked away anonymously behind a gated archway, amid rows of boutiques, cafes and restaurants.
The importance of site visits
The real benefit to employing Croft came during the works. The engineer made an impromptu site visit while the foundations were being poured. The contractor had all the correct paper work in place for the footings, but the engineer had a bad feeling about the workmanship; the concrete just didn't seem right as it was poured. Testing was undertaken and this confirmed that the supplier had only added 5% of the required cement. If the engineer had not picked this up the entire project would have cracked and settled.
