FERNHEAD ROAD
LONDON

Type: Residential Extension 

Single-storey rear extension forming an open, light-enhanced kitchen and living area.

Location

London

Area

42 sqm

Timeline

2025 - present

Year

2025

This residential extension on Fernhead Road, London delivers a modern transformation to a traditional home through the construction of a refined single-storey rear extension. Designed to maximise natural light and enhance everyday living, the open-plan kitchen and dining space introduces a brighter, more fluid layout that strengthens the visual and physical connection to the garden. This intelligently planned London home extension significantly elevates both the usability and long-term value of the property—key priorities for homeowners seeking contemporary, functional living spaces.

MMHM Structures Ltd provided the full structural engineering design for this London residential extension, working closely with the architect to achieve a seamless, minimalist interior. A major design requirement was to maintain a completely open internal environment with no visible structural supports. To achieve this, all structural elements were discreetly integrated within walls and junctions, ensuring that the architectural vision of a clean, uncluttered extension remained fully intact. This approach reflects best practice in modern structural engineering for London home renovations and open-plan layouts.

WHAT WE DID

The structural solution for this rear extension was carefully engineered to preserve openness while safely accommodating all load paths and structural requirements. Rather than using exposed beams or bulky supports, the design focused on hidden structural integration—an increasingly sought-after approach in premium London kitchen extensions and open-plan refurbishments.

Key structural components include:

  • Foundations: A foundation system engineered specifically for London clay soil, incorporating strip foundations, pad foundations and reinforced ground beams. This ensures long-term structural stability, efficient load transfer and dependable performance under typical London ground conditions—critical factors in residential extension work.
 
  • Superstructure: A coordinated system of concealed steelwork supports the new masonry, roof structure and transferred loads from the upper floor. All steel members were strategically integrated within the building fabric, enabling the space to remain completely open and visually uninterrupted while ensuring the extension meets modern structural engineering standards.

OUR APPROACH

From the outset, MMHM Structures employed a detail-focused and collaborative engineering approach. Working closely with the architect, we ensured structural supports were positioned to protect the intended openness of the space. This engineering strategy emphasised discreet integration, visual simplicity and practical construction solutions—an essential combination for achieving high-quality open-plan layouts in London residential projects.

Every structural element was refined to support clean architectural lines, minimise visual impact and deliver straightforward, efficient construction. The result is an elegant and technically robust extension that aligns design ambition with engineering precision

WHAT THIS DEMONSTRATES

  • Clear, Unobstructed Interiors: A key objective was to create a spacious, open-plan environment with no visible structural components. MMHM Structures delivered this by designing concealed load-bearing solutions integrated within walls and junctions. This produces an uncluttered, refined living area—an essential characteristic of modern London home extensions.

  • Architectural Sensitivity: The structural design supports the architect’s minimalist aesthetic, ensuring that the extension remains visually calm, refined and coherent. Each engineering decision respected the architectural vision, contributing to a premium-quality finish that meets the expectations of design-led residential clients.
 
  • Collaborative Coordination: Close coordination between the architect and engineer was fundamental to the success of this project. Through consistent communication and shared design intent, the team delivered a well-balanced solution where structure and architecture work seamlessly together—key to achieving concealed structural systems in residential extensions.
 
  • Efficient, Purpose-Driven Design: The engineering approach prioritised efficiency, durability and long-term reliability. By avoiding unnecessary complexity and focusing on integrated structural solutions, the project benefits from improved buildability and dependable structural performance—key advantages for homeowners undertaking extension and renovation work.

OUR ROLE

  • Complete structural design for foundations, concealed steelwork and load-bearing elements
 
  • Structural solutions focused on achieving clear, unobstructed internal spaces
 
  • Continuous coordination with the architect to ensure all supports were fully integrated and visually hidden

  • Ongoing guidance during design and construction to ensure accuracy, compliance and project value

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