St. Michael’s Centre

Timber was identified as the best solution for the upper floors, with its lightweight properties minimising the load on the façade and existing foundations. Timber floor joists are supported by primary Kerto members which are continuous over a central line of timber columns and span to the masonry piers at the perimeter. By splicing the LVL beams at points of contraflexure, we achieved continuous spans with reduced deflections and a shallower structural zone, helping to stay within the building’s height limits while also cutting material use. Balconies are formed by steel frames with timber infill, which are tied back to the new walls of the side extensions.

The façade was a key challenge. It had never been intended to take vertical loads from multiple new floors, so we carried out an extensive suite of investigations including brick strength and water absorption testing, chemical and petrographic analysis of the mortar and bricks, and soils testing of the existing foundations. This gave us the design values to prove the piers could act as loadbearing elements rather than relying on new foundations. We worked with the design team and contractor on the development of a construction sequence that maintained the stability of the façade throughout. A bespoke temporary works strategy propped the façade while the entire internal structure was removed and rebuilt, with phasing adjusted on site as conditions were uncovered.

The project brings the characterful youth centre back into use, preserving its historic façade while creating new homes and community infrastructure within the neighbourhood.