Since 2011, MEGAjoist has revolutionised floor joist systems, making them one of the most innovative, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly options available on the market.
In early 2022, Ken, the owner of a sizable rural property near Euroa in central Victoria, approached me with a unique architectural and structural engineering proposal.
He presented the drawing for an impressive, unusual, and spacious dwelling, replicating the Thunderbirds house which would cover a total floor area of 940 square meters. The property was situated on a sloped site, offering breathtaking scenic views.
Yes, there were large spans and cantilevers; but the grid of structural steel work resembled that of the support for a suspended concrete car park slab.
To optimise usable space on the upper-level balconies and establish an open and seamless connection with the surrounding landscape, the design called for the integration of substantial cantilevered elements.
Working closely with a recently appointed structural engineering firm (SBD Consulting in Braeside), we developed a design that embraced cantilevered MEGArafters. This approach not only achieved the desired aesthetic and functional goals but also led to a substantial reduction in the required steelwork for the project.
The MEGAjoist floor system was also designed to support the upper load bearing walls, further enhancing construction efficiencies.
The significant reduction in steelwork was accompanied by a similar decrease in the necessary quantity of LVL (laminated Veneer Lumber) beams. The net result was nearly an $80k saving to the owner.
Additionally, by optimising the spacing of MEGArafter roof trusses to 900mm centers rather than 600mm, additional cost efficiencies were achieved without any compromise on the structural integrity or design requirements.
The engineering team performed a comprehensive analysis of the loads, forces, and deflections to ensure the safe and stable performance of the MEGAjoists and MEGArafters under various conditions, including dead & live loads, and wind loads.
The incorporation of the cantilevered and load bearing MEGAjoist products in the construction of a large house proved to be a successful venture. The project achieved the desired architectural vision while ensuring structural integrity and significant cost savings. The result was a luxurious and modern residence that harmoniously connected with its surroundings, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits.
The successful implementation of the MEGAjoist products in this project serves as an inspiring example for future architectural and engineering endeavors seeking innovative solutions and significant cost savings in residential construction.
