Projects

Load-bearing wall supports in Barcelona

We calculate and design the opening up or removal of load-bearing walls, with a step-by-step construction sequence and close control of the works.

Calculation

Load study
Load path down the full height of the wall and into the foundations.

Project

Permit and neighbours
The project is used to apply for the permit and to inform the owners’ association.

Control

Supervised works
Close monitoring of the critical points of the intervention.

What it is

Opening up a load-bearing wall without compromising the building

Load-bearing walls are stable and durable, but they make changing a home’s layout harder than with a column structure. When you want to join the kitchen and living room or gain an open-plan space, you often need to make an opening in a load-bearing wall or remove it.

A structural support (apeo) is the structure that picks up and transfers the loads the wall used to carry, usually by means of steel beams, so that the building keeps working safely.

When you need it

  • You want to open the kitchen onto the living room.
  • You are going to join two rooms or create an open-plan space.
  • You need to widen a door or passageway.
  • You don’t know whether a wall is structural.
  • You have bought a home to renovate.

How we work

Three phases, no improvisation

Every support is different, which is why we study the case before proposing a solution.

1. Preliminary studies

We analyse the load path, the changes over the full height of the wall and any possible foundation problems, and tell you whether the intervention is feasible.

2. Project

We design and calculate the structure and define the construction sequence with temporary propping. The project is used to apply for the permit.

3. Site supervision

We monitor the works closely, because a structural support involves many critical points that must be carried out exactly as designed.

Solutions

Every support is different

Depending on the loads, the wall thickness and the span of the opening, the solution changes: two U-channels fixed to either face of the wall, an embedded IPE or HEB beam, or a two-phase installation. In some cases the wall can be opened in a single operation and in others it cannot.

We explain it in detail, with a real case step by step, in our article how to remove a load-bearing wall. This type of intervention is usually part of a full renovation.

Projects

Supports we have carried out

Some load-bearing walls opened up with design and site supervision by Kaitek.

Load-bearing wall shoring in Barcelona by Kaitek (1)
Load-bearing wall shoring in Barcelona by Kaitek (2)
Load-bearing wall shoring in Barcelona by Kaitek (3)
Load-bearing wall shoring in Barcelona by Kaitek (4)

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about load-bearing wall supports

By its thickness, its position and how the floors bear on it, but the only safe way is for an architect to check it with the drawings and a site visit, opening up test holes if necessary.

In most cases yes, with the appropriate calculations and support project. The preliminary studies determine whether it is feasible and with which solution.

Yes. Because it affects the structure, a technical project is required to apply for the permit, and the owners’ association must be informed.

It depends on the span of the opening, the loads and the construction solution. We give you a fixed quote for the project and site supervision, plus VAT.

It depends on the type of support and the renovation it is part of. We specify it in the project, together with the step-by-step process.

Related

Learn more

Want to open up a load-bearing wall?

Tell us about your renovation and we will explain how we assess the feasibility of the support.