J Johnstone Engineering recently fabricated and installed structural steelwork for a pair of new build detached houses in Dean, near Cockermouth in West Cumbria.
The project involved the fabrication and installation of A-frame steel structures designed to support large glazed elevations, forming a key part of the architectural design of both properties.
All steelwork was fabricated at our family-run workshop in Silloth, Cumbria, before being delivered to site and installed by our team with the assistance of a mobile crane.
A-Frame Steel Structures for Large Glazed Elevations
Each of the houses incorporated a structural steel A-frame, designed to support large glass windows positioned within the gable of the building.
Steel A-frame structures are commonly used in modern new build homes as they provide strong structural support while allowing for large glazed openings and open internal layouts.
For this project the frames were connected with a structural ridge beam, creating a stable framework that distributes loads across the roof structure.
The result is a clean architectural form that allows the glazing to become a central visual feature of the property.
Structural Beams for Floor Support
Alongside the main A-frame structures, our team also fabricated single structural beams designed to carry floor joists within the buildings.
These beams were cut, drilled and prepared in our workshop before being delivered to site ready for installation.
Ensuring accurate positioning of these beams is essential to maintain correct floor levels and ensure the structural load paths work as intended throughout the building.
Fabricated in Silloth and Installed on Site
All structural steelwork for the project was fabricated in-house at our Silloth workshop, allowing us to maintain strict control over quality, tolerances and welding standards.
Once delivered to site in Dean, the A-frame structures were lifted into position using a mobile crane and secured within the building structure.
Managing the fabrication, delivery and installation ourselves helps ensure the steelwork is installed efficiently and in accordance with the structural engineer’s drawings.
Additional On-Site Steel Fabrication
During the project we were also asked to produce additional bespoke steel brackets to support part of the glazing system within the building.
The upper section of the large glazed elevation incorporated a sliding window section, with a fixed glass panel acting as an internal barrier behind it.
To support this feature, our team fabricated steel brackets which were drilled and bolted into position on site, allowing the glazing system to be securely mounted within the structure.
Although a smaller element of the overall build, this type of work demonstrates the flexibility of our team to adapt and carry out additional fabrication and fitting on site when required.
Structural Steel for New Build Homes in West Cumbria
From our workshop in Silloth, J Johnstone Engineering regularly fabricate and install structural steelwork for new build homes, self-build projects and residential developments across West Cumbria.
We work on projects throughout areas including:
- Dean
- Cockermouth
- Workington
- Whitehaven
- Carlisle
- The wider Cumbria and Lake District region
With nearly four decades of experience, we continue to work alongside builders and developers to deliver reliable structural steel fabrication and installation.
Structural Steel Fabrication in Cumbria
If you are planning a new build, self-build or renovation project requiring structural steelwork in Cumbria, J Johnstone Engineering provide in-house fabrication, delivery and professional on-site installation.
