A Dutch Barn

After a slow start on site due to the pandemic, our Dutch barn inspired farmhouse project in Northamptonshire is really starting to take shape!

This design by Thinking Buildings have posed a few interesting challenges from a structural engineering perspective.

The building is set in a beautiful rural setting with far reaching country views. To capitalise on this, large expanses of glazing were incorporated in the design which meant there weren’t many opportunities to incorporate bracing into the structural design.

Our design reduced the need for bracing by using a portalised structure. Additional stability was provided through moment connections to the first floor beams.

The curvature of the standing seam zinc roof necessitated a rethink of the traditional 12mm thick plywood sheathing normally used. A build up of thinner layers of ply produced the sweeping curve required.

Engineered joists were used at first floor which allowed us to create large open spaces which would not have been possible with regular timber joists. Apart from increased spans, the engineered joists also provide maximum flexibility for the installation of services such as Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery Systems and other services reticulation.

SOLID have also been appointed for the infrastructure works on this project including the below ground drainage design, providing a seamless service across the two disciplines.