J Johnstone Engineering recently fabricated and installed structural steelwork for a major renovation project on the main street in Cockermouth, Cumbria.
The project involved transforming a tired former Wordsworth pub building into a mix of modern residential apartments and commercial space, while also creating a new two-storey private apartment to the rear of the property.
Working alongside a regular client developer, our team fabricated and installed a range of structural steel elements required to support the new layout and structural alterations within the building.
Structural Steel for Apartment Conversion
The original pub building was being converted into multiple residential flats, which required significant internal structural alterations.
To achieve the new layout, sections of internal load-bearing walls were removed and replaced with structural steel beams designed to support the upper floors.
These beams were fabricated in our workshop before being delivered to site and installed in accordance with the structural engineer’s drawings.
Using structural steel allowed the building to be reconfigured safely while maintaining the structural integrity of the floors above.
Steel A-Frame Supporting the Roof and Balcony Area
At the rear of the property, part of the building was being converted into a modern two-storey apartment for the client.
As part of this transformation, our team fabricated a structural steel A-frame designed primarily to support the roof structure of the new living space.
The A-frame was manufactured from box section steel and galvanised for durability, ensuring long-term protection from the elements.
The frame extended outward from the building, projecting over the balcony area and large glazed elevation below. This allowed the property to incorporate a modern glass frontage while maintaining the structural support required for the roof above.
The finished result creates a strong architectural feature that complements the renovation of the building while providing the structural performance needed for the new apartment space.
New Galvanised External Staircase for Flat Access
As part of the redevelopment, the existing external staircase was removed and replaced with a new galvanised steel staircase to provide access to the newly created flats.
Our workshop fabricated a bolt-together external staircase system, which was then delivered to site and installed by our team.
The staircase was fully galvanised, ensuring durability and long-term protection against the weather, which is particularly important for external access staircases.
Once installed, the staircase provided safe and practical access for residents of the converted apartments.
Fabricated in Cumbria and Installed on Site
All structural steelwork for the project was fabricated at our family-run workshop in Silloth, Cumbria, where our team cut, prepared and assembled the steel components ready for installation.
The steelwork was then delivered to Cockermouth and installed by our site team, ensuring everything aligned correctly with the structural engineer’s design.
Renovation projects within existing buildings often require careful coordination between trades, particularly when structural alterations and new steelwork are being introduced into older properties.
Structural Steel Renovation Projects Across Cumbria
J Johnstone Engineering regularly support renovation, conversion and redevelopment projects across Cumbria, providing structural steel solutions for both residential and commercial buildings.
From apartment conversions and building alterations to bespoke architectural steelwork, our team works alongside builders and developers across areas including:
- Cockermouth
- Keswick
- Workington
- Carlisle
- The wider Cumbria and Lake District region
With nearly four decades of experience, our family-run business continues to deliver reliable structural steel fabrication and installation for projects of all sizes.
Structural Steel Fabrication and Installation in Cumbria
If you are planning a renovation, conversion or new build project requiring structural steelwork in Cumbria, J Johnstone Engineering provide in-house fabrication, delivery and professional on-site installation.
Related Structural Steel Projects in Cumbria
J Johnstone Engineering regularly fabricate and install structural steelwork across Cumbria and the Lake District. Recent projects include:
• Structural steel A-frames installed in Silloth, Cumbria
• Structural steel for the conversion of a former railway station in Mealsgate, Cumbria
• A-frame structural steel for a new build home in Sunderland, near Bothel, Cumbria
If you would like to discuss a project or Request a Quote, feel free to get in touch
