J Johnstone Engineering recently fabricated and installed structural steelwork for the conversion of a former disused railway station in Mealsgate, West Cumbria.
The building had been abandoned for many years and was undergoing a full renovation to transform it into a modern residential property while retaining the character of the original structure.
Working alongside the builder on the project, our team fabricated and installed the structural steel required to support new floors, major structural alterations and a new extension incorporating large glazed openings.
Structural Steel for Floor Support
As part of the renovation, new internal floor structures were introduced within the existing station building.
To support these floors, our workshop fabricated single structural beams designed to carry floor joists, allowing the new floor structure to be installed securely within the original building.
Careful positioning of these beams ensured the floor loads were transferred correctly into the existing structure.
Steelwork for Wall Removal and Extension Connection
The project also involved removing sections of internal walling to connect the original station building to a new extension.
To achieve this, we fabricated double structural beams designed to support the masonry above once the walls were removed, allowing the new space to open up while maintaining the structural integrity of the building.
Structural Steel Framework for the Extension
The new extension incorporated several structural steel elements across both floors.
At ground floor level the extension structure was formed using structural beams supported by a large pipe column, creating the main structural support while allowing for open internal space and large glazed openings.
On the upper floor, the steelwork included a ridge beam forming part of the roof structure along with box section frames, which provided support for the roof and surrounding building elements.
This combination of steel sections ensured the loads from the new structure and roof were transferred safely through the extension framework.
Structural Steel for Corner Sliding Door Opening
A key architectural feature of the extension was the installation of large sliding doors meeting at the corner of the building, allowing the space to open up fully when the doors are retracted.
To support the stonework above this opening, our team fabricated a double ring beam with extended flanges, creating a structural lintel capable of carrying the masonry loads.
A corner steel post was also installed slightly set back from the beam line, allowing the sliding door system to close correctly while still maintaining the structural support required.
This type of structural solution is often required when incorporating large glazed openings into traditional stone buildings.
A-Frame and Goal Post Structure for Roof Support
Additional structural steel was also required to support both the new roof structure and parts of the existing roof.
For this, our team fabricated and installed:
- A structural steel A-frame forming part of the roof support for the extension
- A goal post frame positioned on the upper floor, designed to carry loads from the roof structure above
These elements ensured the loads from the roof structures were safely transferred through the steel framework and into the building structure.
Fabricated to EN1090 Class 2
All structural steelwork for the project was fabricated in-house at our family-run workshop in Silloth, Cumbria, in accordance with EN1090 Class 2 requirements.
Once fabrication was complete, the steelwork was delivered to the site in Mealsgate and installed by our team in line with the structural engineer’s drawings.
Renovation projects involving older buildings often require careful coordination and precise installation to ensure the new structural elements integrate correctly with the existing structure.
Structural Steel for Renovation and Extension Projects in Cumbria
J Johnstone Engineering regularly support renovation, conversion and extension projects across Cumbria, providing structural steel solutions for both traditional and modern buildings.
Our team works across areas including:
- Mealsgate
- Cockermouth
- Bothel
- Wigton
- Carlisle
- The wider Cumbria and Lake District region
With nearly four decades of experience, our family-run company continues to deliver structural steel fabrication and installation for projects of all sizes.
Structural Steel Fabrication and Installation in Cumbria
If you are planning a renovation, extension 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 framework for a sunroom extension near Loweswater, Cockermouth
• Structural steel double A-frame installation near Thursby, Carlisle
• Structural steel installation in Borrowdale in the Lake District
Planning a project in Cumbria or the Lake District? Get in touch with J Johnstone Engineering today to request a quote.