Temporary Works

When we were approached by the team working on a Grade II listed pub, the project already had a structural engineer overseeing the permanent works design.

But there was one problem; no one wanted to take on the temporary works.

For a building with such significant heritage value and real constraints on what could and couldn’t be touched, temporary works weren’t just a technical requirement. They were a risk-management exercise, a heritage-sensitive responsibility, and a structural puzzle all in one.

And that’s exactly the type of challenge we love.

The Challenge: Support the Structure Without Damaging It

Because the building was listed, the contractor needed temporary support that:

  • avoided damage to the historic fabric
  • minimised the physical impact on the structure
  • adapted to tight space and access constraints
  • kept the workforce safe during all phases of construction

The existing structural engineer had already designed the permanent works but didn’t want to take responsibility for the more complex temporary works design.

That’s where our team stepped in.

Our First Step: Review, Assess, and Re-Think

Before putting pencil to paper, we:

  • reviewed the permanent works design from the existing engineer
  • carried out our own structural assessment and load calculations
  • considered how the temporary works would interact with the permanent solution
  • identified potential risks that could affect heritage elements

Temporary works shouldn’t ever be a bolt-on. They need to work with the permanent design, not against it.


Phase 1: Temporary works design

Next: On-Site Discussions and Phasing Plan

Temporary works only succeed when the design reflects the reality of what’s happening on site. So we met the contractor on site to walk through the job, identify constraints, and talk sequencing.

Together, we developed a clear, safe approach to support the structure across four distinct phases, ensuring each stage:

  • maintained stability
  • protected historic features
  • allowed safe access
  • avoided unnecessary disruption
  • aligned perfectly with the contractor’s construction schedule

By thinking through the entire sequence, we allowed the contractor to progress confidently without stop–start complications.

Phase 2: Temporary works design


Phase 3: Temporary works design


Phase 4: Temporary works design

A Successful Outcome and a Chance to Celebrate

The project was a complete success.

The temporary works performed exactly as intended, supporting the structure, protecting the heritage fabric, and enabling the permanent works to be delivered safely and smoothly.

Last week, we were delighted to attend the pub’s reopening with Clare Truman, the heritage Architect who supported the project so thoughtfully from beginning to end.


Seeing the building sensitively restored, bustling with life again, and knowing we helped protect that history felt like a proud moment for the entire team.


Why Contractors Come to Us for Temporary Works

Permanent works engineers often don’t want the additional liability of temporary works design and we understand why.

Temporary works require:

  • rapid decision-making
  • deep understanding of construction sequencing
  • problem-solving in imperfect site conditions
  • flexible, adaptive design thinking

That’s where we specialise.

For contractors, this means they get designs that are not only structurally sound but also buildable, safe, and aligned with how the site actually works.

Get In Touch

If you’re planning a project where temporary works will play a critical role, we’d be happy to help. Get in touch to discuss your requirements. Call us on 0118 962 9666

Having attended the event as visitors for many years, we were thrilled when we were selected to appear on the ‘Ask An Expert’ panel at this year’s Grand Designs Live show.

The event was held over 9 days at the impressively large north stand at ExCel in London’s docklands and covered over 5,000 sq foot with 600+ exhibitors.

Structural Engineering is often seen as a distress purchase as we are often appointed after the Architect has completed their design,  so it was a great opportunity for us to get in early and talk to people about their “Grand Design” and give advice about the structural implications of what they wanted to build.

Talking about the event John Staves said,

“This is the first year that Structural Engineers were invited to attend the event, previously supported by Architects and Architectural technicians, we attended Friday 8 May and Saturday 9 May and were fully booked 10am-6pm!”

What Types Of Projects Did You See?

“There were a complete range of projects from genuine “Grand Designs” for replacement dwellings and new dwellings through to minor internal alterations. Most people wanted help with feasibility – and the most common questions were;

       Was their project practical and was their project financially feasible?

Lots of the conversations were around practicality and feasibility, most structural problems can be solved, it’s just how much it’s going to cost.”

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What Did You Enjoy The Most About The Event?

“Helping people move forwards in their own project. The variety of projects day to day is what I enjoy about the job anyway. The challenges weren’t so much the permanent building structure, it was the buildability that would massively impact on the cost.

For example, one project was a new build, replacement dwelling down a small lane that was only 2m wide, so you would have to think not only how am I going to get components, materials in, but also how am I going to lift them into place? There will be big clear spans and you have to think how are you going to achieve that with small components. You’re not going to swing in quarter tonne 10m long beams, it’s not practical. We had a discussion in that meeting about BIM (Building Information Modelling).”

How BIM Could Help

“We discussed how the whole process could be planned and thought through well in advance so things would run smoothly with those site constraints – over and above building a house in a field.

BIM would help them with the sequencing of the build, make sure that things fitted together, we could break the building down into small enough components that would actually work with the access constraints, but lifted into place by smaller equipment, we could test that things would work before the project even gets to site. BIM would also offer them more certainty about the cost of the project as it could be built in a virtual world before any work started on site.”

Would You Be On “Ask An Expert” Again?

“Absolutely! It was hard work, fairly intense, with people arriving with no advance knowledge of their project to advise them on the spot. But at the end of the day it’s quite rewarding to know that you’ve helped 15 + people get on the way with their project.”

Around The Exhibition

“We were working for two days and on the third day had the opportunity to go around the exhibition and meet up with Architects who were exhibitors at the event and talk to them about how they interacted with the Structural Engineer. It was a great opportunity to understand their problems and how they work so we could better design our own services to work with them.

John and Kevin McCloud

Attending the Grand Theatre to listen to Professor Hazim Awbi and Kevin McCloud talk about Toxic Home Syndrome was really interesting. The main message was for designers to not only think about airtightness of our buildings, but also consider proper mechanical ventilation. Other tips for a healthy home included using ecofriendly cleaning and beauty products, consider wood flooring and switching off technological devices at the plug.”

If you missed the event you can see more at http://www.granddesignslive.com/