Bentley Wood, Halland, Sussex

Serge Chermayeff’s house from the 1930’s; engineered by Felix Samuelly, with the primary structure manufactured by furniture makers, Waring & Gillow. A modernist classic, but constructed almost entirely of timber.

Working with modernist architecture presents the structural engineer with unique and fascinating insights, and offers a refreshing change compared with the conversion and refurbishment of the usual vernacular. Reverse engineering is the starting point as these buildings have, in theory at least, been the subject of rigourous structural design using minimal materials and innovative structural forms. Renovation and conversion require a thorough understanding of the original design, as we stand on the shoulders of past engineers.

Inappropriate repairs by previous unsympathetic owners caused much damage to the roofs and external elements, and have made necessary an on-going series of renovations to both fabric and structure. Because the original materials and section sizes are no longer economically available, we have substituted modern timber composites where necessary.

Architect ABQ Studio