Winner 2016

Award for
Structural Heritage

Project Description

This fine 19th century house was in need of a thorough overhaul. Significant structural problems included the eight metre span of the first floor joists, the sag in the gallery round the octagonal hall, and partial failure of a large timber truss. Mann Williams devised an ingenious method of strengthening the first floor by inserting trussed noggins between the joists. The gallery was pushed gently up to its original level and strengthened to keep it there. The truss was repaired by the addition of some small steel plates. All this work was carried out without damaging fragile wall coverings.

Judge’s comments

Exceptional care had to be taken in correcting the various structural inadequacies in this fine eighteenth century house without causing damage to original wall and ceiling finishes. The judges were particularly impressed by the invention of a trussed system introduced between the timber floor joists to stiffen them to carry public access loads on their eight metre span

Project overview

Structural Designer

  • Mann Williams

Client Name

  • National Trust

Location

  • Portaferry Rd, Newtownards, Northern Ireland

Architect

  • Elphick Associates

Principal Contractor

  • H&J Martin Limited

Year Submitted

  • 2016

Submitted By

  • Mann Williams