Domestic Building Design for Modern Homes in Huntingdon
New builds, extensions or refurbishments, we don’t cut corners when it comes to the design and development of homes. Work with Richard Herrmann Associates Ltd to get your project off the ground.
Homes designed with residents in mind
We recognise the importance of creating homes that offer both comfort and functionality. Our expertise in the domestic and residential sector spans a wide range of projects, including private residences, extensions, and large-scale housing developments. This most commonly involves the removal of one or more internal or external walls, with a Chartered team who meticulously design the structures required to facilitate the alterations and make sure that the building continues to safely support its occupants.
Residential projects come with their own unique set of challenges, and whether it’s a new build or a refurbishment, we approach each project with meticulous attention to detail. By taking considering the purpose and end goal for the development, we create designs with the end user in mind, leading to homes that are not solely visually appealing but safe, adaptable and built to survive the unpredictability of family life.
Allow us to conduct a site visit
Where drawings are not available to indicate your proposals, we would usually arrange a site visit to carry out a measurement survey and ascertain what design services might be involved or required. Once we’re happy with the level of information gathered, we’ll prepare structural calculations that would be suitable for inclusion within a building regulations application made by the homeowner or their builder. The details that we issue can also be used by the builder to advise on the cost of work, and can be referenced during the build stages.
The professional insight your project needs
Although tasks such as a single wall removal may seem relatively straightforward, an experienced structural engineer brings expertise that can foresee and avoid issues that others might not appreciate. This becomes particularly important when overall building stability is affected by the proposals, and we can offer advice to ensure the works are designed and built in the most appropriate and economical manner.
Innovative thinking for modern homes
Every home improvement project presents its own challenges—tight spaces, aging materials, or ambitious layouts. We approach each with an innovative mindset, using advanced methods in residential structural engineering to find solutions that are both practical and elegant. Whether it’s reinforcing existing walls or designing bespoke home extension structures, our aim is to deliver strength without compromise. We continually explore new techniques and materials, ensuring your project in Huntingdon benefits from the latest in modern engineering practice, and we’d be happy to discuss how our expertise can support your next home design.
Clear guidance from concept to completion
Structural design can seem complex, but our role is to make it clear and manageable for every client. From your first consultation, we explain what’s needed, why it matters, and how we’ll achieve it—keeping you informed at every stage. Our experience in domestic building design means we anticipate challenges early and present solutions that make construction straightforward. The result is a smoother process, fewer surprises, and a structure that performs exactly as intended for years to come, so feel free to get in touch to explore how we can help bring your plans to life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What type of residential projects do you handle?
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We work on a wide range of domestic projects—from internal wall removals and loft conversions to full new builds and complex home extension structures. Each design is tailored to meet your property’s specific needs and architectural intent.
Do I need a structural engineer for small alterations in my home?
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Even smaller changes, such as removing a wall or altering a roof structure, can impact a building’s stability. Engaging a residential structural engineering professional ensures the work is safe, compliant, and designed efficiently.
Can you assist with domestic building design before construction starts?
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Yes, we can collaborate with your architect or builder during the early design phase. This approach helps integrate structure and design seamlessly, saving time and avoiding costly revisions later in your domestic building design process.
Do you offer site visits in Huntingdon and nearby areas?
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Absolutely. Being based in Huntingdon allows us to visit local sites easily for assessments, inspections, or meetings with homeowners, architects, and contractors throughout Cambridgeshire and surrounding regions.
How long does it take to receive structural drawings and calculations?
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Timeframes vary depending on the project’s size and complexity, but we always aim to deliver detailed, accurate calculations and drawings promptly to keep your project moving efficiently.
What information do you need before starting my project?
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We’ll typically need architectural drawings (if available), key project details, and any planning documents. From there, we’ll arrange a consultation to review your goals, assess structural needs, and outline how we can best support your project from concept to completion.
37
Years Est.
6,500+
Clients
100+
Years' Experience
Our previous clients
Case Study: Structural Design for a Residential Roof Truss in Historic Property Extension
The restoration of this historic building in Peterborough highlights the importance of addressing underlying structural issues in a way that both preserves and strengthens the building for future generations. Through a combination of careful diagnostics, traditional repair methods, and modern engineering solutions, the building’s external elevations were successfully restored while maintaining its historical integrity.
This case study underscores the value of working with conservation experts and engineers to navigate the complexities of historic preservation and ensure the long-term survival of important Listed structures.
The Project:
The client’s request to incorporate a traditional timber roof truss within the extension of their historic property presented an opportunity to blend modern design with historical authenticity. The project aimed to create a space where the roof truss would serve as both a functional and aesthetic focal point, reflecting the historical elements of the existing property while meeting modern requirements for the extension.
The key elements of the project included:
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Designing a king post oak truss to support the roof structure.
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Using traditional bolted jointing methods to align with the client’s desire for authenticity.
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Ensuring the roof structure integrated seamlessly with the existing historic building while meeting current building standards.
CLIENT
Private Client (Homeowner)
VALUE
Confidential / Residential Scale
LOCATION
Historic Property Extension (Location unspecified)
ARCHITECT
Richard Herrmann Associates
Structural Engineering Solutions
1. King Post Oak Truss Design
The primary focus of this project was the design of the oak king post truss, which was chosen for its traditional aesthetic and strong load-bearing capacity. Key design considerations included:
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The selection of oak as a material, chosen for its durability, aesthetic quality, and historical relevance to the existing building.
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The king post truss design allowed for a clear span to create an open, airy interior space beneath the roof.
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Load distribution was carefully analysed to ensure the truss would efficiently transfer loads from the roof to the supporting walls.
2. Purlin-Type Roof Structure
The roof was designed with a purlin-type structure to provide additional support for the roof covering. This type of structure:
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Allowed for the use of smaller timbers that provided adequate support without compromising the visual appearance of the open ceiling space.
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Was integrated with the oak truss design, ensuring a consistent aesthetic throughout the roof structure.
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Provided stability and durability, ensuring that the roof would remain secure for years to come.
2. Traditional Bolted Jointing Methods
The client’s desire to preserve the traditional methods of construction led to the choice of bolted jointing techniques:
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Bolted connections were selected over modern fasteners or welded joints to maintain the historical authenticity of the roof truss.
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The joints were designed to be both structurally sound and visually appealing, ensuring the traditional craftmanship was preserved while meeting the structural requirements of the extension.
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These methods were not only aesthetically pleasing but also provided robust structural stability, ensuring that the roof structure would support the loads expected from the new extension.
4. Integration with the Existing Historic Property
One of the primary challenges was ensuring that the new roof structure would integrate seamlessly with the existing historic property. The following solutions were implemented:
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Careful consideration was given to the alignment of the new structure with the existing building’s roofline and architectural features, ensuring a cohesive design that didn’t overpower the historic character.
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The new roof truss was designed to complement the existing roof structure, matching the proportions and aesthetic style of the original building.
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Building regulations were met, ensuring that the new structure was compliant with modern safety standards while maintaining the desired historical style.
Challenges and Solutions
1. Balancing Tradition and Modern Standards
One of the key challenges in this project was balancing the traditional design elements with the need to meet modern building standards. By carefully selecting oak for the truss, and using bolted joints instead of modern fasteners, the project achieved a timeless aesthetic while ensuring the new structure was safe, stable, and durable.
2. Integrating the Roof Structure into the Historic Fabric
The design and construction of the new roof truss had to be carefully integrated into the existing building’s historic fabric. This required in-depth coordination between the structural team, the architect, and the contractor to ensure that the new structure would enhance the original building rather than disrupt it. The careful placement of the truss and the integration of the purlin-type roof structure ensured that the overall design maintained a harmonious and respectful relationship with the original property.
3. Material Sourcing and Traditional Techniques
The use of traditional oak for the truss posed both an opportunity and a challenge. Oak is known for its strength and beauty, but it also requires careful sourcing and seasoning to ensure its long-term stability. Additionally, the use of traditional bolted jointing methods required a high level of craftsmanship to ensure that the connections were both structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing. Working with skilled craftsmen ensured the success of these traditional methods.
Conclusion
The extension of the historic property with the new king post oak truss is a prime example of how modern engineering solutions can be used to respectfully preserve traditional building techniques. Richard Herrmann Associates successfully blended the client’s vision for a traditional aesthetic with the requirements of modern construction, delivering a structurally robust and visually stunning roof that complements the historic property.
This project demonstrates the firm’s expertise in combining contemporary engineering with traditional craftsmanship, and highlights their ability to deliver bespoke solutions for projects with historical significance. The new extension, with its visible timber roof truss, provides both functional space and a nod to the past, ensuring the continued enjoyment of the property for future generations.
Take your project from concept to reality
Complete our online form to share your ideas or call our office in Cambridge directly on 01480 455179 for assistance with any urgent queries.