Lancaster Place
Whapload Road, Lowestoft
This project involved the conversion, alteration and refurbishment of an existing building into apartments and live/work units.
Technicus Consulting was appointed by JCGP Developments Limited to carry out investigations to determine the structural arrangement of the building. The oldest parts of the building date back to the mid-17th century, with many extensions and structural alterations having taken place during the buildings life.
To convert this old building into apartments Technicus Consulting worked closely with JCGP Developments Limited to prepare detailed structural designs and construction drawings for the proposed structural modifications. Internal timber floor structures were strengthened sympathetically using traditional materials wherever possible to support increased loads due to the change of use. However, in some locations modern steel dowel and resin repairs were required to sufficiently strengthen old oak beams, whilst preserving the character and feel of the building.
The works also included design of a new modern steel framed and glazed entrance atrium link structure. This was designed working collaboratively with the specialist glazing supplier to ensure structural deflections were within acceptable limits for the glazing under worst case wind and snow drift loads.
To provide a large open plan function room at ground floor level an innovative steel girder frame was designed and installed to support two storeys of existing load-bearing masonry walls above.
