Project / New Build

Camden Row

A new home at the heart of Bath

Behind Camden Crescent and its rows of traditional Bath stone buildings, Camden Row displays a range of old and new houses, the perfect setting for our client's project. As the site was originally conceived by a different design team for a single dwelling, the foundation piles were already installed before we were appointed for this development.

Our main challenge was to reconfigure the foundations to support two separate dwellings without the need for any additional piles. The two modern homes we helped design and build were completed and sold in 2023.

Project Lead

Peter Blankley

Project Team

Christian Newman

David Barnard

Iasonas Bakas

Value Undisclosed
Location Somerset
Client Private
Completion 2023

Delicate re-use

Using the available archival structural information, we carried out a back analysis of the installed piled foundations. In consultation with the project architects, we configured the load paths of the new dwellings so that the piles already installed for the original scheme could be safely utilised.

This involved breaking out the previously installed reinforced concrete ground beams and slabs. Some of the new ground beams had to be interlinked to ensure no single pile was loaded beyond its original design capacity.

Multiple frames

The new dwellings were designed with sustainability and comfort in mind, using highly insulated timber frames. The main living accommodation is located on the first floor, where large picture windows make the most of the views across Bath. To achieve such a configuration, the cantilevering portions of the upper building required the installation of localised steel frames. These enabled the building frame to adequately support the large glazing elements.

We worked closely with the appointed timber frame specialist to seamlessly integrate the steel framing into the timber structure. The lateral stability of the building against wind load relied on internal and external timber framing panels acting as shear walls.

Beyond those works, we reviewed the drainage design and advised on potential solutions, reviewed access and external areas with the architect, and advised on civil and structural implications.