Transforming a 180-Year-Old Property with Load-Bearing Wall Removals and Steel Beam Installations

We recently had the pleasure of working on a challenging yet rewarding project in a stunning 180-year-old house. The age of the property presented a unique set of challenges, especially when it came to structural alignment and level issues. Our task was to remove multiple load-bearing elements, including chimney breasts and a spine wall, as well as widen the entrance doorway to open up the space. To achieve this, we installed six steel beams to ensure that the home’s structural integrity was maintained.

The Challenge

As with many older properties, the main hurdle in this project was dealing with the fact that everything in the house was out of level and alignment. The house, nearly two centuries old, had settled over time, making it particularly difficult to fit in modern structures like steel beams and other structural reinforcements. In fact, one of the rooms was nearly 200mm out of level, which added an additional layer of complexity to the task.

It can often feel a bit "alien" to install things that are against the grain of the property, especially when working on such an old building where everything is warped and uneven. Our team had to be extra careful in ensuring that all beams were placed securely and level, despite the challenges posed by the existing structure.

The Approach

To achieve our goal of creating a more open, functional space, we undertook the removal of two chimney breasts, one spine wall, and widened the entrance doorway. These structural elements had to be carefully removed, and proper reinforcements needed to be put in place to ensure the property would remain stable.

To support the weight previously carried by the removed walls and chimney breasts, we installed six steel beams strategically throughout the property. These beams were carefully chosen to meet the needs of the space, ensuring that they would not only support the structure but also blend seamlessly with the room’s new design.

One of the major concerns during this process was ensuring the beams were correctly aligned and level. Given that the room was nearly 200mm out of level, this required precision, patience, and a lot of expertise from our team.

The Results

Despite the challenges of working with an old, out-of-level structure, our team successfully completed the load-bearing wall removals and steel beam installations in a timely manner. The end result was a more open, spacious, and structurally secure room, ready for the client’s builders to continue with the rest of the renovation work.

The addition of the steel beams ensured that the structure would remain stable while the open space created new possibilities for the home’s layout. Our work provided a solid foundation for the client’s ongoing renovation and gave them the freedom to design their space exactly how they wanted.

Wall Removal & RSJ Installation Specialists

Working on this 180-year-old property was both a challenge and a rewarding experience for our team. By removing the chimney breasts, spine wall, and widening the entrance doorway, we created a much more open and functional space. Installing six steel beams provided the structural support needed to ensure the home’s safety and stability.

If you are looking to transform your home, whether it’s a modern property or a historic gem, our team at Wall Away is here to help. We specialise in load-bearing wall removals, steel beam installations, and renovations, offering professional services to help bring your vision to life.

Contact us today to discuss your home renovation project, and let us help you create a space that’s safe, functional, and beautifully designed.