The Structure of Georgian London Houses

The influence of the Building Acts, the Great Estates and Pattern Books on the construction of Georgian London houses is considered. The separate structural elements are then assessed – foundations, vaults, external and party walls, internal timber stud walls, the differing types of floors for the various house sizes and types, roofs, staircases and chimneys. These are illustrated by examples encountered during the author's work as a structural engineer in the city.

Particular problems such as snap header facades, eccentric timber stud spine walls, the deflection of long span floors and the vulnerability of end-of-terrace houses to movement are examined in greater detail. Whether and how different elements should and can be strengthened is debated. The ways in which these houses, designed for a different age, have been adapted structurally for modern styles of living is considered.