Structural Design

Structural engineering is central to our design service as our product is essentially a flat-pack building structure. However, the basis of our engagement is fundamentally different to that of a consultant engineer in that we only design timber structures.The design of timber structures (often referred to as timber engineering) is a discipline in its own right and best undertaken by timber engineers, structural engineers who have a wood engineering degree and a training in carpentry and manufacture. We employ timber engineers in order to deliver intelligent design solutions that are functional, practical, durable and safe in use.A mass timber building structure is more than structure, it also provides separation and enclosure, it delivers airtightness and can provide a degree of fire resistance. A multi-disciplinary approach to design and engineering is therefore required. As mass timber specialists we consider both structural and non-structural attributes at all stages of design. Most importantly, we design our product to deliver to the client’s core ambitions of time, cost and quality, only the last of which is structure-related.Focusing on a single material, a single construction method, and only part of a building requires there to be more than one structural engineer on a project. This is necessary if one wishes to ensure that there is no duplication of design fees. It also ensures full design responsibility (including temporary works design during construction) rests with a single and therefore responsible party.