Steel beam replacing load bearing wall

[HannaS]

Hi,

We have a 17th century farmhouse which, while rewiring last year, we discovered mostly seems to be constructed of dry stone wall which likes to crumble when interfered with. It is structurally stable with zero concerns in general. Traditional wood beams internally with white lime render externally

We're looking to remodel the kitchen and I'm looking at ways to create more space if possible. One thing I've thought of is to reduce the size of an internal load bearing wall (previous barn wall, the kitchen was an extension but is also hundreds of years old) so it's just the size of a normal wall with a steel beam (or something else?) supporting the load. There is a chimney above on the roof which was once in use but again hasn't been used in at least 50+ years but i expect there to be a chimney cavity to be found.

Has anyone done this with any success and have any tips or suggestions? Or warnings to just avoid entirely??

Floor plan attached with wall marked in blue

Thanks in advance for any advice

 

[Kearn]

I’d instinctively expect that to have been a fireplace, may still be something hiding away - Floorplans are rarely dimensionally accurate, what’s the actual depth?

If there’s still a stack above then it’s more challenging.

Either way, find a sensible structural engineer and they will do the calcs and survey accordingly.

It’s very achievable in theory, however whether it should be done to a historic structure is a different question. And if you’re listed, then that’s a different game again.