Washington, DC
Rock Creek House
Scope/Solutions
Led by NADAAA, the renovation of an existing 1930s home transformed the traditional masonry structure into a contemporary residence with a vertical addition. SGH was the structural engineer for the project and consulted on the building enclosure.
Working closely with the architectural team, SGH designed structural modifications for the wood-framed, load-bearing masonry structure to accommodate new architectural features and modern fenestration, create floor openings for two-story spaces, and permit the removal of load-bearing elements to open the floor plan. Highlights of our work include the following:
- Analyzed the existing structure to reconfigure the partial-height third floor into a new full-height story
- Designed new third-floor walls and a wood- and steel-framed, folded-plate roof with a thin edge profile and exposed folds in the ceiling below to meet architectural goals
- Modeled the steel roof framing using Telka and delivered the model to the steel fabricator for their use
- Analyzed existing load-bearing walls and designed structural steel framing to accommodate a cantilevered glass facade at the second floor, relocated windows, new sliding doors, and a custom 17 ft tall window to the backyard
- Designed floor framing to support three feature stairs including, a wood-framed, three-story circular grand stair with feature handrails, a wood-framed stair to the Garden level clad in wood lath, and a new exterior stainless steel stair by supported a central steel girder
- Designed two additions to the house for an exercise room and a four car garage with a roof deck and an elevated, stainless steel pavilion
- Provided construction phase services, including three-dimensional modeling, shoring design, and development of masonry reinforcement drawings
- Provided building envelope consulting, including review of design documents, observations of as-built construction for comparison with the design intent, and thermal modeling to assess condensation risk
Project Summary
Solutions
New Construction
Services
Building Enclosures | Structures
Markets
Residential
Client(s)
NADAAA, Inc.
Specialized Capabilities
Building Design | Building Science
Key team members

Matthew Johnson
Structural Engineering Division Head, Chicago
Additional Projects
Mid-Atlantic
2030AP at 2030 8th Street NW
Constructed on the site of a former plumbing supply warehouse, 2030AP includes sixty-two condominiums over ground-level retail space and below-grade parking. SGH consulted on the building enclosure for this project.
Mid-Atlantic
City Market at O, 880 P Street
Constructed in 1881, the O Street Market was one of several public markets in Washington, DC. SGH consulted on the building enclosure for 880 P Street NW, which is the L-shaped residential building at the northwest corner of the block.