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Case Study

Portal Frame Extension – Howdens Joinery, Epping

  • Client: 7 Formation Ltd
  • Location: Howdens Joinery, Epping
  • Sector: Commercial
  • Services: Structural Steelwork

Project Overview

Blackburn & Co. Ltd was commissioned by a repeat client, 7 Formation Ltd, to deliver a complete structural steel solution for a portal frame extension to an existing retail warehouse for Howdens Joinery in Epping.

The project required detailed survey work, design, fabrication, and installation of the new frame to integrate seamlessly with the existing building, ensuring structural integrity and compliance with the client’s engineering requirements.

Scope of Works

Our scope included:

  • Survey, design, and installation of a portal frame building
  • Determination of all beam-to-column connection details
  • Supply and installation of purlins for roof cladding

While the client provided structural engineer calculations and a basic drawing, all dimensions and connection details were developed in-house by our experienced team and subsequently approved by the client’s engineer.

Design & Fabrication

The project required precise design and detailing to ensure that all steel connections were safe, structurally sound, and compatible with the portal frame configuration. Using our expertise, we determined the connection details between beams and columns, producing solutions that satisfied both structural requirements and installation practicality.

All steel components, including the purlins for the roof, were fabricated off-site to exacting tolerances to ensure smooth assembly and rapid installation on-site.

Installation & Outcome

The installation of the portal frame and associated purlins was carried out efficiently, with careful coordination to integrate the new extension with the existing warehouse.

The completed structure provides a robust, high-quality extension that meets the operational needs of Howdens Joinery, offering a durable and practical solution for additional warehouse capacity. The client was extremely satisfied with the outcome, praising the combination of precise design, expert fabrication, and smooth installation.

Conclusion

This project demonstrates Blackburn & Co. Ltd’s ability to deliver end-to-end structural steel solutions for commercial warehouse extensions. By combining in-house expertise with careful planning and collaboration with client engineers, we successfully delivered a high-quality portal frame structure that met both structural and operational requirements.

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