for new buildings, alterations to existing buildings

• Planning permissions
• Conceptual design, construction and executive projects
• Workshop projects
• Technical reports
• Conceptual and detailed design

With a wide range of services spanning from concept to completion, McLaren’s structural engineering group is built on a foundation of technical excellence, cutting-edge capabilities, pragmatic solutions, and a sensitivity for aesthetics.
Specializing in both private and public work across 10 distinct markets, our firm delivers top of the line, project-based solutions for structures of every size, shape, scope, material, and complexity.

Offering multidisciplinary consulting, analysis, design, project management, and construction phase support, our expert building engineers enable clients to best meet all project goals while building more efficiently and cost-effectively.

Steel design:

ULTIMA are specialists in the design of structural steelwork. We use the latest 3D design software to efficiently design all types of steel frames. Many firms still simply design a few ‘worst case’ beams in 2D. This can lead to grossly over engineered designs which can typically be 20-30% more expensive to construct than a refined design.

Our structural analysis software links with our drawing package so we can quickly produce clear, high quality 3D drawings which are simple to build and give an assurance that if it works in 3D, it should work onsite. We can also offer steelwork connection design.

Where steel beams and/or columns need to be connected, we can undertake the design and detailing of these connections. Whilst many firms leave this to the steelwork fabricator to design, we firmly believe that on certain projects, such as domestic projects, and where connections are exposed, that the Structural Engineer should design and detail the connections.
By detailing the connections ourselves we can spot potential issues which may only come to light during construction which can cause delays. Additionally, if connection design is left to the fabricator they will often pass an inflated design cost back to the builder, and ultimately the client.

We have invested in the latest connection design software and can design complex unique connections in FEM to ensure compliance with the the Eurocodes.

Concrete design:

ULTIMA are specialists in the design of reinforced concrete (RC)structures. In addition to conventional design we also have expertise in high quality exposed concrete structures, lightweight concrete, and sustainable GGBS and PFA concrete with recycled aggregates which can help achieve BREEAM ‘very good’ and ‘excellent’ buildings.

Foundation design:

We work closely with geotechnical consultants to design foudations is all types of ground conditions and scales of projects. Unknown ground conditions represents one of the highest risks to a project running over time or budget so we recommend commissioning ground investigation and desktop studies for large projects or at the least trial pits for small projects. A good ground investigation will help de-risk the project as it will enable us to design appropriate foundations with greater confidence in project budget costings and provides insight into any ground contamination issues.

Foundations may need to bridge obstructions sch as underground drainage. We can provide Thames Water bridge over details. Piled foundations may be required when loads are high, ground conditions are poor or when building close to large trees. When close to trees we commission soil testing which can often omit the need for piling which can save thousands of pounds.

Modular construction:

Modular construction is becoming increasingly popular. Whilst specialist manufactures often take design responsibility for the superstructure the foundations will need to be designed by a Structural Engineer.

Modular construction is becoming an increasing popular building solution owing to greater offsite quality and rapid onsite construction times. We work closely with specialist modular manufacturers from around the world to coordinate with the rest of the onsite structure.

Timber Structure:

ULTIMA passionately believe in creating sustainable buildings; timber frames structures can have significant benefits over traditional concrete and steel designs. Not only is timber environmentally friendly, engineered timber such as Glulam, LVT and Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) are strong, dimensionally stable, lightweight and cost effective structural solutions.

Composite structures:

• FEM (finite elements methode)
• Shell structures and connections

Key sectors:

• Engineering
• Coastal Engineering
• Industrial
• Water engineering
• Oil $ Gas
• Offshore
• General Contracting
• Geotechnical Engineering

Designing buildings in 3D helps ensure all the details are picked up before a projects starts onsite, leading to a smoother build. Whilst working in 3D is becoming increasing common for large scale projects, and is in fact mandatory for Government funded projects, we utilise 3D to the benefit of our clients with smaller and medium sized projects too. We use market leading software called Revit to collaborate with Architects and M&E Engineers, sharing our design models with capabilities of achieving BIM level 2.

All our projects are supported with Autodesk and Allplan softwares.

We also offer the implementation of BIM technology and standardization of projects

We offer a complete Civil Design package, with design capability ranging from house extensions all the way up to master planning major developments and beyond. Specifically, we are able to design your Below Ground Drainage infrastructure, co-ordinating will all design team members to ensure an simple, effective and efficient clash-free design.

We are able to produce Drainage Statement for planning purposes, to help satisfy and close out all relative conditions. We offer a road and pavement build-up design service, along with levels design around external areas of developments, including adoptable areas such as vehicle crossovers or adoptable roads. We offer design and co-ordination combined with our Structural team to present a complete Civil and Structural package, no matter the size or stage of development.

Structural inspections and reports:

SD structures can investigate specific structural concerns from corroded steel, to spalling concrete, rotten timbers and cracked or bowing masonry. We can carry out inspections and undertake a period of monitoring to understand the defect. We can prepare detailed reports for insurers and remedial repair details.

Feasibility and technical studies

Site supervision