Wikihouse is an open-source modular building system intended to make the construction of homes and small buildings accessible to more people. Using pre-cut and assembled plywood ‘blocks’, anyone with experience in simple DIY can put a building together.
The design of these buildings requires a specialist structural engineer able to provide suitable calculations to achieve sign off from building control. A structural engineer can also visit during the construction stage, for peace of mind that the plywood chassis is being installed in accordance with the design.
Using their extensive experience of providing WikiHouse advice for residential and commercial builds, across a range of locations, AWA’s specialist structural engineers offer detailed advice and design services across the UK from our offices in Hampshire and Somerset.
AWA are one of a small number of structural engineering companies in the UK who have experience working with WikiHouses. Our experienced team provides design services and can attend site to confirm the building is structurally sound.
AWA offer a full structural design service for projects utilising the existing Wren, Blackbird and Skylark systems. We can provide outline advice on the right system for each project, undertake detailed structural checks and provide calculations to satisfy Building Control. We also provide designs for foundations and below ground drainage, producing drawings to coordinate with the WikiHouse chassis.
Read about our work supporting the technical development of WikiHouses.
The WikiHouse project is designed to make building houses easier and more affordable.
They are made of timber panel materials such as plywood or another product called Oriented Strand Board (OSB). By using Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines, the material is cut into shapes that can be slotted together; these arrive with an IKEA-like set of instructions for easy assembly.
Depending on the size of the build, the chassis of a WikiHouse can be built in around 2-4 days. From start to finish, WikiHouse designers estimate that a property can be ready to move into after as little as 12 weeks.
Find out more about WikiHouses on their website.
A WikiHouse needs sign-off from a structural engineer before it can be approved by building control.
Choosing a structural engineer who has experience working with WikiHouses is important. Not only will it make your design or sign-off process quicker but it will also give you peace of mind that your building is structurally sound.
AWA Consulting Engineers is a structural, civil, and marine engineering consultancy established in 1987, with a hard-won but deserved reputation for delivering excellence in our profession.
Our philosophy is simple: we put people first. This has resulted in a high number of repeat clients and an impressive track record of successful award-winning projects. We are proud to be professional, and approachable; we believe this makes us the ideal partner for your project.
AWA has technical teams in our offices located in Romsey, Hampshire and Bath, Somerset. We deliver services to clients typically across the South, South East and South West.
Our team includes both chartered structural engineers and chartered civil engineers committed to continuous professional development ensuring you benefit from up to date industry expertise, whatever your project entails.
To find out more about how AWA Consulting Engineers can help with your project, get in touch today. Email mail@awaengineers.com and one of the team will be in touch. Alternatively, call 01794 524447 to speak to a member of our team.
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