Overview

This project involved the design of a bespoke pedestrian bridge spanning a newly formed lake. The structure was a central element of a wider landscape masterplan designed by a prominent garden designer, requiring a high degree of collaboration to ensure the structural execution matched the ambitious aesthetic intent.

The challenge

Designing a timber bridge over water requires a careful balance between structural span and material durability. The use of large-section Oak beams brought significant self-weight and natural movement to consider, while the connection points needed to be robust enough to handle environmental exposure. A key client preference—and a core part of the design language—was for the fixings to remain visible, combining the warmth of the timber with a more industrial, honest look.

The structural strategy

Our role was to translate the designer's vision into a viable, long-lasting structure. We used large-section Oak beams and columns supported on bespoke stainless steel plates. To meet the aesthetic brief, we engineered a connection system featuring exposed stainless steel bolts, allowing the structural fixings to serve as a primary design feature. Through close collaboration, we ensured the structure met the brief while comfortably managing the movement expected with Oak.

Outcome

The result is a landmark structure that demonstrates the value of architectural structural engineering. By working as a technical partner to the design team, we ensured that the final bridge was not only structurally sound but also a perfect realization of the landscape's aesthetic vision—blending organic materials with crisp, industrial detailing.