A common desire for commercial and industrial clients is to retrofit existing buildings for their unique purposes. This is where our experience comes into play as we understand the need to balance practical objectives and safety with budget and timings. We will investigate and assess the current structural integrity of the existing building and design the required modifications. Our civils team can ensure that there will be no clash with existing or planned infrastructure changes.

Often, we are asked to value engineer existing designs to add significant value to our clients, and we often work within the design and build environment.

Industrial buildings typically house heavy equipment and machinery, which places significant stress on the structure. Whether a building is new or you are retrofitting it is important to understand the loads a structure can take and if they are sufficient for use with the required machinery, not to mention considerations like vibration, or the temporary works required to move and install heavy equipment. Commercial buildings will be expected to experience high foot traffic, especially in areas like shopping centre and car parks, all need to taken into account.

We have worked on many of these types of structures, new and existing, to find the right solutions to build or repair.

Calculations for solar panels on commercial buildings is something we are often asked to complete for industrial and commercial clients to understand what array their existing roof can support.

Consulting with SWJ in the early stages will lead to significant cost savings in both construction and operational phases. We do not work with worst-case scenarios and assumptions and will investigate the reality to find a solution that will use materials more efficiently, reduce waste, costs, and money. We aim to add value to a project by finding the most efficient solution. Working with our civil engineers from the very early stages, we can help with feasibility and master planning, and coordinate with structures to ensure an efficient approach across the board.

Over-designed structures are usually more expensive to build and maintain. We are looking for solutions that simplify the process for everyone to save operational costs and reduce any down time needed for maintenance for industrial or commercial clients. We have a particular expertise in high-rise commercial and mixed-use buildings, often value engineering solutions for clients where a change in columns on different floors is concerned.

Industrial facilities often operate in harsh environments, exposed to chemicals, extreme temperatures, and heavy use. We will make sure that all the materials chosen have the required level of protection to provide longevity and reduce maintenance. Other commercial sectors like care and extra care buildings, vets and hospitals and hotels, need to maintain their structural integrity over long periods despite bring in constant use.

Our civil and structural engineers select materials and design systems that enhance the durability and longevity of buildings and infrastructure, reducing the need for frequent repairs and maintenance and ensuring easy access if any are required.

Sustainability is on everyone’s agenda and sustainable building practices are increasingly important in the industrial and commercial sectors. We incorporate sustainable design principles, including SuDS, recycled materials, optimizing energy efficiency, and reducing the carbon footprint of the building where we can, and are happy to work with experts in this field.  Sustainable structures not only benefit the environment but can also qualify for green building certifications like BREEAM, which can enhance the building’s marketability and value.