The Engine House at Linotype Works in Broadheath has stood as a marker of Victorian engineering since 1897. Originally built to house typesetting machinery, this historic structure faced demolition in 2021.
A successful bid to Historic England secured its Grade II listed status, preserving its legacy for future generations. Located on Norman Road in Altrincham, the revitalised Engine House is now a contemporary living space that retains its industrial roots. This transformation was made possible through the combined efforts of Shelbourne Estates, part of the Morris Homes Group, and Acorn Timber Engineering Ltd. Acorn brought their expertise in timber design and manufacturing, crafting the intricate roof trusses and structural elements that allowed the historic Engine House to be safely and sustainably reconstructed. Together, the partnership successfully blended heritage preservation with modern living, setting a new benchmark for adaptive reuse.
A sympathetic heritage transformation
The Engine House project, led by Elicia Brumley at Acorn, won the Trussed Rafter Association’s ‘Conversion and Refurbishment Project of the Year 2025’ award for its innovative design and seamless integration of modern engineering with heritage conservation. An exemplary adaptive reuse, it demonstrates how historic structures can be thoughtfully transformed for contemporary living. “Working on The Engine House was an incredible experience,” recalls Elicia Brumley. “It’s not just about preserving history; it’s about breathing new life into it so people can experience and enjoy it for generations to come.” Starting as one of Acorn’s first apprentices and rising to the sole designer for its key client Morris Homes, Elicia’s expertise ensured the preservation of the building’s historic character while integrating modern design principles.
Precision timber engineering
The original structure, measuring 12 metres wide, 20 metres long, and 14 metres tall, presented significant challenges. Structural engineers Atkinson Peck concluded that traditional conversion methods were unsuitable. Instead, a dismantling process began, preserving key elements like the travel crane, stonework, and slate tiles. Each component was catalogued and stored, ready for reconstruction.
The roof structure
The roof design of The Engine House showcases advanced timber engineering. Over 200 truss components, including 18 unique truss types, were designed and manufactured with precision. Among these is a 12.287-metre truss with a horned bottom chord, engineered to fit within the parapet wall.
This configuration managed additional loading requirements, including safety harness anchor points that aligned with fitting and cable length specifications. The trusses were designed to support the integration of a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system, contributing to energy efficiency while maintaining the building’s character. Attic truss monos were introduced to allow firedoor access without altering the building’s historic profile.
Overcoming structural challenges
The reconstruction of The Engine House involved several structural challenges. Spanning 20 metres in length, the design required a precise arrangement of trusses. The largest, stretching over 12 metres with a 27.5-degree pitch, involved detailed calculations to manage structural loads and harness weight distribution. The placement of truss webs ensured there was no interference with plated joints during installation, simplifying the erection process.
Additionally, attic truss monos were engineered to allow maintenance access, including a fire door swing from the main central access point into the roof space. This design choice maximised accessibility while keeping structural integrity intact. Trusses were labelled and mapped to precise locations, optimising on-site efficiency and reducing installation risks.
Planning for construction and safety
Handling large trusses and spandrel panels in a confined site required careful logistical planning. Deliveries were staggered over two days for smooth coordination. The first day saw the arrival of trusses, while the second day focused on spandrel panels, which were divided into smaller sections for easier handling and safer installation.
A structured safety plan was developed, reflecting modern standards. Design requirements established before truss construction accounted for maintenance routes and additional loadings to support harnesses. Given the building’s height of over 14 metres, these adjustments ensured safe access for future maintenance, meeting current regulations.
Sustainable design
Sustainability was integrated throughout The Engine House project. All timber supplied met PEFC standards, while designs were optimised to reduce waste through strategic truss configurations, and transportation was planned to cut down on emissions by minimising deliveries. Original slate tiles were salvaged and reused, preserving the character of the build. Where replicas were needed, they were fabricated to precise specifications, minimising waste.
This project highlights the strength of modern timber engineering in preserving historic character while enhancing functionality. It shows what can be achieved when technical expertise and respect for heritage come together.
This article was written by Wing Tsang, Liz Male Constultancy, and appears in Designing Timber issue 9
