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 objective and safety with budget and timings.

We will investigate and assess the current structural integrity of the existing building and design the required modifications.

Often we are asked to value engineering 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. Our aim is to add value to a project by finding the most efficient solution.

Over designed structures are usually more expensive to build and maintain. We are looking for a 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 building often value engineering solutions for clients where a change in columns on different floors are 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 required level of protection from these factors. Unpredictable natural elements, beside wind loads, need to be taken into consideration like with our clients on the south coast who are dealing with the corrosion of materials over time due to their proximity to the coast.

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. Structural engineers select materials and design systems that enhance the durability and longevity of these buildings, reducing the need for frequent repairs and maintenance.

Sustainability is on everyone’s agenda and sustainable building practices are increasingly important in the industrial and commercial sectors. We incorporate sustainable design principles, such as using 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.