Timber frame dilema

[masochists-r-us]

We have a 17th C farmhouse in Northamptonshire which is a bit of a mongrel, but we love it all the same. It has a 19th C slate roof and we want to install a large dormer window to accommodate a new staircase. This is all part of a grand design to restore the circulation and we have listed building and planning consent in place. Our problem is that we must remove a modern supporting wall, which extends from the ground floor to support the purlins in the roof. We want to replace this support with an oak frame in the roof only. This oak frame would ideally also be integrated into the dormer construction.

Can anyone recommend a good structural design engineer familiar with this type of work and a company who is competent to take on this work (ideally would like to deal with one for both)?

So far have spoken to timber framers who can no doubt do the woodwork but we are struggling to find someone who can do the design/structural bit for building control or who can do the whole lot.

Would prefer somone local but happy to consider further afield if has right experience.

Any advice appreciated.

 

[Stephen]

Although based in London, Essex and Suffolk I know The Morton Partnership travel all over and they are good on that type of building/problem. Try them if you cannot find anyone local

http://www.themortonpartnership.co.uk/Contact.htm

 

[Penners]

Our problem is that we must remove a modern supporting wall, which extends from the ground floor to support the purlins in the roof. We want to replace this support with an oak frame in the roof only.

I wouldn't for one second presume to prejudge the calculations and opinions of a structural engineer, but based purely on your statement above I just want to suggest that you don't get too wedded to the idea of replacing a structural support that is founded at ground level with one that sits only in the roof. It may prove not to be possible.

The SE may be able to suggest a successful way of doing this, but on slim evidence (and amateur opinion) the principle sounds worrying.