The Vicarage
Structural design & remodelling of a historic residence situated in the heart of Yorkshire, including the removal of a large masonry stone chimney breast and the creation of a vaulted ceiling with ornate detailing.
Location: Yorkshire
Client: Private Client
Services Provided: Drafting Plans, Engineering Design & Construction Supervision
Role Under CDM 2015: Designer
Project Overview
Shepherd Gilmour was appointed to provide structural engineering services for the refurbishment of The Vicarage, a historic residential property. The brief was to create a more open and contemporary living space by removing a substantial internal stone chimney breast at second floor level and opening up two adjoining rooms into a single, larger room. The vision also included converting the existing timber roof structure into a vaulted ceiling to increase perceived space and natural light, all while maintaining the external architectural integrity of the original chimney. Additonal rooms at second floor level were also opened up into vaulted ceilings to further increase the feeling of space and light.
Structural Design Solution
The removal of the internal chimney breast presented a complex engineering challenge due to the need to retain the external portion of the chimney for conservation and planning purposes. Our approach involved:
Installation of Primary Beams: Two 254 x 146 x 31 Universal Beams (UBs) were designed and installed to support the retained external chimney stack.
Support for Chimney Walls and Flues: Three 152 x 152 x 23 Universal Columns (UCs) were used as trimmer beams to pick up the loads from the remaining chimney structure and distribute them appropriately.
Roof Strengthening: The existing timber purlins were reinforced with two 230 x 90 x 32 Parallel Flange Channels (PFCs), installed in parallel to enhance their load-bearing capacity.
Ornamental Structural Ties: To prevent the risk of roof splaying due to the new vaulted ceiling configuration, we designed and specified ornate twisted steel tie bars between the purlins. These served a dual purpose—providing the required lateral restraint while contributing to the architectural aesthetic of the vaulted space.
Building Regulations & Construction Support
Throughout the project, we provided clear and practical guidance to the client during both the design and construction phases, ensuring full compliance with UK Building Regulations. Our support included:
Offering recommendations for improving insulation performance in the roof build-up, particularly where the new vaulted ceiling introduced challenges around continuity and cold bridging.
Advising on appropriate ventilation strategies, ensuring that the removal of the ceiling void and changes to air pathways did not compromise the building's overall performance or comfort levels.
Developing detailed A1 CAD drawings, including splice connection designs, to enable the safe installation of structural steelwork in a confined and sensitive setting.
Providing temporary works guidance, a schedule of works, and a comprehensive Designer’s Risk Assessment in accordance with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015).
In line with our appointment, Shepherd Gilmour acted as the Designer under CDM 2015, collaborating closely with the Principal Contractor, who fulfilled the role of Principal Designer.
Outcome
The project was successfully completed, with our structural design enabling the creation of a dramatic and spacious vaulted ceiling while preserving the character of the historic building. By offering early-stage advice on insulation and ventilation, and ensuring regulatory compliance throughout, we delivered a robust and elegant solution aligned with both the client’s vision and statutory requirements.
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