Arch House – Structural Solutions for a Victorian Terrace Renovation

Arch House was the renovation and extension of a Victorian terraced house in East London, delivered in collaboration with Polysmiths Architects. The project sought to transform a series of disconnected rooms into a more open and flexible living space while working within the constraints of an existing residential structure.

A key challenge of the project was opening up the rear of the property to improve circulation, natural light, and the connection between the house and garden, whilst retaining as much of the existing building fabric as possible. Rather than relying on extensive demolition and large structural interventions, the design centred around a series of structural masonry arches that allowed the existing loadbearing walls to continue performing their structural role while creating wider openings between spaces.

Working closely with the architectural team, we developed structural solutions that balanced practicality, cost, and buildability. The use of structural arches provided an efficient means of supporting existing loads while creating a more open-plan layout throughout the ground floor. This approach reduced the need for more complex transfer structures and helped minimise construction waste by retaining significant portions of the original building fabric.

One of the advantages of this solution was the ability to avoid introducing costly ground beam arrangements that would typically be required for larger structural openings. By carefully considering the existing load paths and the interaction between new and existing elements, the structural design delivered the required spatial improvements while remaining cost effective for the client.

The rear extension was designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing property, requiring careful coordination between the structural and architectural design teams throughout the project. As is often the case with residential refurbishments, a detailed understanding of the existing structure was essential in developing practical solutions that could be efficiently delivered on site.

The completed project demonstrates how considered structural engineering can play a significant role in residential renovation projects. By working with the existing building wherever possible and developing efficient structural solutions, the project successfully delivered a more open, adaptable family home while reducing unnecessary demolition, material use, and construction costs.

At Techne Engineering, we work closely with architects and homeowners to develop structural designs that are practical, economical, and tailored to the specific constraints of each project. Arch House is a good example of how collaborative design and thoughtful engineering can unlock the potential of an existing property while making efficient use of the structure already in place.