Case Study: Loaf Furniture Shop, St. Albans AL2
Project Overview
- Client / Store: Loaf Shack
- Location: Albert Bygrave Retail Park, N Orbital Rd, St Albans, AL2 1DL
Existing Structure
The project site consisted of two existing retail units with distinct structural systems:
- A single-storey steel frame featuring trussed rafters.
- A single-storey portalised steel frame.
Proposed Alterations & Engineering Challenges
To create the open, seamless retail environment characteristic of a Loaf Shack store, the proposed layout alterations required significant structural interventions, including:
- The removal of internal structural columns.
- The removal of stabilizing shear walls.
Engineering Scope and Solutions by PSL
To safely facilitate these major structural modifications, PSL was appointed to deliver a comprehensive engineering evaluation. Their scope of work included:
- Intrusive Investigation: Performed detailed on-site exploratory work to understand the condition and load-bearing capacities of the existing frameworks.
- Structural Inspection Report: Documented findings and evaluated the feasibility of the proposed design changes.
- Preliminary Strategy: Formulated a strategic engineering approach to enable the safe conversion of the units into a modern Loaf Shack store.
Outcome
Through careful structural planning and investigation, the engineering team laid the groundwork for a successful commercial transformation, resulting in a vibrant retail space featuring a modern storefront with signature turquoise brickwork and expansive glazing.