Woodbine, Toronto – Dual H‑Structure Engineering for Full Main‑Floor and Second‑Floor Support

The Woodbine project showcases our signature structural engineering approach for opening the entire main floor of a mid‑century double‑brick home in Toronto. The original design — prepared by a different engineer — relied on multiple posts on both the main floor and basement. However, the home was narrow, and these posts would have severely restricted furniture layout and traffic flow.

Complicating matters further, the property was undergoing a basement underpinning project at the same time. Integrating new concrete footings for additional posts would have interfered with the precise, sequential digging required for underpinning.

To eliminate these limitations, we proposed a complete redesign of the structural solution, which we included in our project estimate. The result was a far more efficient, open, and structurally robust system.

Project Overview

We designed, supplied, and installed two engineered H‑structures:

• One H‑structure in the basement ceiling to support the main floor
• One H‑structure in the main‑floor ceiling to support the second floor

This approach removed the need for interior posts, improved load distribution, and created a clean, open‑concept layout across both levels.

We also calculated the required opening for the staircase between floors and installed beams accordingly. Additionally, we accounted for plumbing and drain requirements for the upstairs bathroom, sistering all front‑side floor joists to allow safe passage of the drain pipe without compromising structural integrity.

Scope of Work

1. Engineering & Permits

• Prepared a new set of structural drawings
• Amended the existing building permit
• Provided the homeowner with a Certificate of Liability Insurance

2. Demolition & Structural Implementation

• Homeowner completed demolition independently

• Installed:

  • 4 engineered steel beams (two per floor) with custom flanges to allow LVL beams connection.
  • Approximately 3,000 lb of structural steel
  • 2 LVL beams to create the staircase opening
  • Multiple floor‑joist replacements and reinforcements

• Designed and implemented dual H‑structures for full‑house load transfer

• Integrated plumbing and drain pathways for the upstairs bathroom

• Sistered joists at the front of the house for safe mechanical routing

3. Inspection Support

• Assisted the homeowner in successfully passing the framing inspections with the City of Toronto (the standard inspection for structural modifications)

4. Additional Work

• Various third‑floor improvements were completed as a courtesy to the homeowner

Project Outcome

The Woodbine project delivered a fully open, structurally optimized home without the limitations of the original design. By eliminating unnecessary posts, coordinating with the underpinning crew, and installing dual H‑structures, we provided a solution that was stronger, cleaner, and far more functional than the initial engineering plan.

The homeowner was extremely satisfied with the final result, especially with the removal of all previous design constraints and the seamless integration of structural, mechanical, and architectural requirements.

If you’re planning a main‑floor structural renovation, a full basement apartment, or a complete transformation that includes custom kitchens and premium finishes, our team is ready to help. Reach out to explore engineered, code‑compliant solutions that make your home safer, stronger, and fully optimized for modern living.