From an opening in a load-bearing wall or a new stair opening to an extension, roof extension or roof terrace: Amstelada Architecten brings design, building drawings, structural justification and permit documents together in one logical process.
An alteration is not just a spatial change. As soon as load-bearing walls, floors, roofs, joists or foundations are changed, the design and the structure must demonstrably fit together.
That is why we do not start from a standard package, but from the existing situation, the desired new layout and the purpose of the documents. Depending on the project, the process can include a survey, archive research, building drawings, structural calculations, detailing and preparation of an environmental permit.
In existing buildings, the actual dimensions, material build-up, bearings and the condition of the structure remain decisive. When information is missing, further investigation may be needed before a sound solution can be developed.
The project types below cover the most common questions about structural alterations, extensions and technical permit documents.
Design and structural assessment for removing a load-bearing wall or enlarging an opening in it, including starting points for steel beam, portal frame, columns and bearings.
Architectural and structural development of extra space on or at the roof, with attention to existing load paths, stability, joists, connections and the required application documents.
An extension needs coherence between the facade opening, roof and floor structure, foundation, connection details and spatial quality. We bring these parts together in one design and drawing package.
A new stair opening or void interrupts part of a floor structure. The remaining joists, trimmer construction, bearings and stability must therefore be assessed specifically.
Calculations for steel, timber, concrete, masonry, floors, roofs and foundations are based on the available project information and the loads and connections that actually apply.
Visible damage first calls for a careful inventory. Cracks can be related to material movement, settlement, moisture, a changed load or an inadequate connection between building parts.
Clear floor plans, elevations, sections and details show what is kept, removed and added. Structural drawings match the calculated load-bearing structure.
We identify which drawings and technical justifications are relevant to the planned work and help answer substantive requests for additional information.
In major alterations, a technically possible solution must also be spatially sound, functional and carefully detailed. That is why we link architectural choices to structural constraints.
As soon as the load path, stability or loading of a building changes, it must be demonstrated that the new situation is structurally sound.
In practice a calculation is often needed for:
The structural design must match the actual situation. In existing buildings, archive documents can be incomplete or differ from what is there. A survey, check measurement or local investigation can therefore be part of sound preparation.
Calculations are made using the relevant structural standards and starting points. The scope of the assignment depends on the building type, the intervention, the available data and the purpose of the documents.
We assess the intended work, the building type, available drawings, photos, dimensions and any correspondence from the municipality.
We determine which survey, building drawings, structural calculations, details and permit documents the project needs.
The new situation is developed spatially and matched technically to the load-bearing structure, dimensions, materials, loads and connections.
The agreed documents are brought together for discussion, a permit application or technical coordination with the contractors.
With a compact but complete basis we can determine more quickly which services suit your plan.
Amstelada Architecten is based in Amstelveen and supports private and professional clients in the surrounding towns and municipalities.
Design, alteration drawings, openings in load-bearing walls, extensions, roof extensions and technical application documents for homes and small-scale projects.
Building and structural development for renovation, home extensions, roof changes and new internal layouts.
Architectural design, openings in load-bearing walls, extensions and structural drawings for existing homes.
Technical guidance for extensions, stair openings, roof structures and changes to the load-bearing structure.
Structural assessment and building drawings for renovations, extensions and specific home adaptations.
Alteration drawings, structural calculations and permit preparation for homes and small-scale projects.
A structural calculation is usually needed when a load-bearing element is removed, changed or loaded more heavily. Think of an opening in a load-bearing wall, a new stair opening, a roof extension, a roof terrace, an extension or a change to a floor, roof or foundation. Whether it is required depends on the existing structure and the planned intervention.
Yes. Building drawings, structural starting points and the documents needed for an application can be prepared as one coherent file. Specialist parts may need additional expertise or investigation.
Not every intervention needs a permit, but an alteration without a permit must still be structurally safe and comply with the applicable rules. It has to be assessed beforehand which building activity, zoning plan activity and technical documentation apply.
Preferably send the project address, a short description of the intended work, photos, available archive drawings, rough dimensions and any correspondence from the municipality. This helps to define the required scope more precisely.
No. Archive drawings can be missing, incomplete or different from what was actually built. A survey, check measurement, material investigation or local inspection may then be needed before reliable starting points can be set.
Amstelada Architecten is based in Amstelveen and works on projects in places including Amstelveen, Amsterdam, Hilversum, Abcoude, Almere, Bunschoten and Diemen.
Send the project address, your plans and any drawings or photos. We will assess which design, drawing and structural work is relevant to your situation.
