Creating open-plan living often starts with removing walls. But before anything comes out, you need to make sure the structure above has somewhere else to go.
That's exactly what this recent renovation at Waihi Beach involved.
Working alongside Hamish and the team at Nextgen Construction, our team was brought in to design, fabricate and install the structural steel required to transform the ground floor of this home into one large, open living space. The finished result feels effortless, but getting there required careful planning, precise fabrication and a well-managed installation sequence.
Planning Before Cutting into the Waihi Beach Reno
On renovation projects, every step matters.
Unlike a new build, you're working within an existing structure that still needs to remain stable while major structural elements are removed. That means understanding exactly how the loads are being carried and planning the installation around the existing building.
For this project, two structural steel beams were required, supported by new timber framing and new foundations.
Before demolition could begin, the existing walls were carefully propped to ensure the upstairs structure remained fully supported throughout the process. Only once everything was secure could the team begin removing the structural walls and preparing for the new steel.
Getting the Foundations Right
Installing structural steel isn't simply a matter of lifting beams into position.
New foundations had to be excavated around the existing footings, with reinforcing steel carefully tied into the existing structure to create the strength needed to support the new beam layout.
As with many renovations, access was tight and sequencing was critical. Every trade needed to work together so each stage could be completed safely before moving to the next.
This is the type of work where preparation makes all the difference. Before any steel was fabricated, detailed site measurements were taken to ensure every component would fit exactly as intended.
Using those measurements, the beams were fabricated in our Tairua workshop before being transported to site.
Once everything was ready, the steel was hoisted into place with the builders, allowing the new structural framework to come together quickly and accurately.
Because the planning and fabrication had been completed upfront, the installation went exactly as expected, with the beams fitting first time.
Working Together to Deliver Great Results
Projects like this highlight how important collaboration is between builders, engineers and steel fabricators.
From the first site measure through to the final installation, everyone involved worked together to ensure the renovation progressed safely and efficiently while delivering the open-plan living space the homeowners were after.
If you're planning a renovation, extension or new build that requires structural steel, we'd be happy to help. From detailed site measurements and fabrication through to on-site installation, our team delivers practical engineering solutions designed to fit first time and built to last.
Client: Nextgen Construction Ltd
Location: Waihi Beach, Bay of Plenty
