Location:
Meopham, Kent
Meopham, Kent
COMMERCIAL STRUCTURAL FABRICATION
Structural Steelwork for Loft Conversion in Meopham, Kent
Case study by: Jamie ‘Jay’ Poole - Account ManagerPublished:
)
Project Snapshot
Project Type:
Structural steel detailing, site survey, fabrication and HIAB delivery
Structural steel detailing, site survey, fabrication and HIAB delivery
Services Provided:
Site survey, Detailing and drawing-office support, Structural steel fabrication, including cranked portal and connection details, Coordinated HIAB delivery to site
Site survey, Detailing and drawing-office support, Structural steel fabrication, including cranked portal and connection details, Coordinated HIAB delivery to site
Steel Used:
UC203×203×60 and UC203×203×46 sections, UC152×152×30 columns, UB203×102×23 beams, together with fabricated plates, brackets, stiffeners and a cranked portal.
UC203×203×60 and UC203×203×46 sections, UC152×152×30 columns, UB203×102×23 beams, together with fabricated plates, brackets, stiffeners and a cranked portal.
Delivery Approach:
Fabricated steelwork was transported to the Meopham site using MAH Steel’s HIAB-equipped delivery vehicle, allowing the steel to be safely managed and positioned for the site team.
Fabricated steelwork was transported to the Meopham site using MAH Steel’s HIAB-equipped delivery vehicle, allowing the steel to be safely managed and positioned for the site team.
Complexity Level:
High – the project required careful coordination around an existing chimney that was ultimately retained, resulting in revised site dimensions and steelwork details.
High – the project required careful coordination around an existing chimney that was ultimately retained, resulting in revised site dimensions and steelwork details.
Project Overview
MAH Steel supplied the structural steel package for a substantial loft and roof conversion in Meopham, Kent. Jamie ‘Jay’ Poole oversaw the project from the commercial and coordination side, working closely with our drawing office and workshop. The steel package included floor beams, columns, connection plates and a substantial cranked portal supporting the new roof structure. The project progressed from survey and detailing through fabrication and HIAB delivery to site.The Challenge
A key challenge arose when the site arrangement changed and it was decided that the existing chimney would not be removed. This affected the available space and meant the original steel arrangement could not simply proceed unchanged. Accurate site dimensions and revised connection positions were therefore critical to ensure the steelwork fitted the structure as built. The drawings also record revised column positions, new brackets and holes, and confirmation of dimensions before the cranked portal was finalised.
Our Approach
Design & Planning
George from MAH Steel’s drawing office attended site to carry out a detailed survey and confirm the actual dimensions and constraints. Working with Jamie ‘Jay’ Poole and the site team, he helped develop a practical solution that allowed the chimney to remain in place while maintaining the required structural steel layout. The fabrication drawings were then updated to reflect the confirmed site conditions, including revised column positions and connection details. This site-led approach reduced the risk of fabrication based on assumptions and helped keep the project moving.
Fabrication
Once the revised dimensions were confirmed, the steelwork was fabricated in our workshop to the updated drawings. The package included UC and UB sections, columns, fabricated flat plates, stiffeners, brackets, splices and the cranked portal frame. Particular care was required around the portal geometry and altered connection positions so that the fabricated members corresponded with the surveyed site conditions. Workshop photographs show the steel being cut and prepared prior to delivery.
Delivery & Installation
The completed steelwork was loaded at MAH Steel and delivered to Meopham using our HIAB-equipped lorry. The delivery was coordinated around a live residential construction site with extensive scaffolding and an evolving roof structure. By resolving the chimney and dimensional issues before final fabrication, the steel arrived with the revised details already incorporated, helping the site team continue the build without unnecessary rework. Site photographs show the steel integrated into the new floor and roof structure as the loft conversion progressed.
“ MAH Steel were excellent throughout the project. When we decided to retain the existing chimney, it created an unexpected issue with the original steel layout, but Jamie and George quickly worked with us to find a solution. George attended site, carried out a survey, and revised the details to suit the actual conditions. The steel was then fabricated and delivered as required, helping us keep the project moving with minimal disruption. ”
Gallery
Planning a loft conversion?
Talk to MAH Steel about your structural steel requirements.
Related services
Steel Delivery
MAH Steel provides reliable steel delivery across Kent and the South East. Our HIAB-equipped lorries can deliver steel directly to challenging construction sites. We coordinate deliveries around site requirements to help keep projects moving.
Structural Fabrication
We fabricate structural steel to detailed drawings and confirmed site requirements. Our workshop handles beams, columns, plates, brackets and other fabricated components. Every package is prepared for efficient delivery and installation on site.
Steel Welding
Our coded welders produce structural steelwork to the required specifications and standards. We weld beams, plates, connections and fabricated components in our workshop. Quality checks help ensure the finished steel is ready for installation.