Ripplevale Grove

Studio Octopi

The glass box extension has a steel frame which sits on (60x30mm) solid bar steel columns camouflaged within the double glazing edge detailing, and 125x75mm Douglas Fir to the side elevation. The columns act in pure compression whilst lateral loads are dealt with by rigidly attaching the roof plane to the new portal frame in the main house rear wall. The structural engineering of the scheme was further challenged by the need for a soffit recess to the ceiling perimeter, requiring a bespoke lapped plate moment connection.

For the stair we devised discrete keyed mild steel shear pegs recessed to the timber stair treads. The stair stringer designed as a slim-line plate girder with flush surfaces, also incorporates the glazing support channel to the frameless glass balustrade.