Supporting Safe, Accessible and Reliable Senior Care Facilities
As Calgary’s senior population continues to grow, the demand for senior care facilities, assisted living communities, continuing care facilities and aging-in-place housing is also increasing.
At Solid Structural Design Ltd., we provide structural engineering services to support the renovation, modification, expansion and construction of facilities serving seniors.
Senior care projects require more than simply creating additional rooms. They often involve existing buildings, structural alterations, accessibility improvements, building-code requirements and the need to maintain a safe environment for residents and staff.
Our role is to help property owners, care providers, contractors, designers and developers understand the structural requirements of their projects and develop practical engineering solutions.
Structural Engineering Services for Senior Care Projects
We can assist with a wide range of structural work, including:
- Structural assessment of existing buildings
- Load-bearing wall removal and replacement
- Beam and column design
- Floor and roof modifications
- Structural openings for doors and windows
- Building additions and expansions
- Accessibility-related structural modifications
- Ramps and entrance modifications
- Stair and elevator-related structural work
- Floor reinforcement
- Roof equipment and mechanical-load assessments
- Basement and secondary-suite conversions
- Structural repairs and rehabilitation
- Renovation and change-of-use projects
- Temporary shoring and construction support
- Permit drawings, engineering letters and reports
- Construction-stage structural reviews
Working With Existing Buildings
Many senior care projects involve buildings that were originally designed for a completely different purpose.
An existing residence may be converted into supportive living accommodation. A commercial building may be renovated into a care facility. An older institutional building may require significant upgrades.
Before structural modifications are made, it is important to understand the existing structure.
Our engineering process may include:
Existing Building Review → Site Assessment → Structural Analysis → Engineering Design → Permit Documentation → Construction Support
We identify the structural elements that may be affected by the proposed renovation and develop solutions that are practical to construct.
Safety Is Especially Important in Senior Care
Structural engineering is only one component of a senior care project, but it is an important one.
Residents may have limited mobility and may depend on staff and building systems for their safety. Structural modifications therefore need to be carefully considered.
Examples include:
- Removing a load-bearing wall to create an open common area
- Creating larger door openings
- Modifying stairs
- Supporting accessibility improvements
- Reinforcing floors for new equipment
- Supporting rooftop mechanical equipment
- Constructing new additions
- Repairing damaged structural components
A seemingly simple renovation can have significant structural consequences.
Our responsibility as structural engineers is to understand those consequences and provide an appropriate engineering solution.
Aging in Place and Residential Care
Senior care is not limited to large institutional facilities.
Many families want their parents to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.
This creates a growing need for aging-in-place renovations.
Structural engineering may be required when homeowners want to:
- Create a bedroom on the main floor
- Add or modify a bathroom
- Widen existing openings
- Remove walls
- Install accessibility equipment
- Build a ramp or new entrance
- Construct a backyard suite
- Create an in-law or caregiver suite
- Add an addition
- Modify stairs or floor systems
These projects combine senior care, residential construction, accessibility and structural engineering.
Practical Engineering for Real Construction
At Solid Structural Design Ltd., we understand that engineering drawings ultimately have to be built.
Our approach is therefore focused not only on structural calculations, but also on practical construction.
We work with:
Property Owners · Senior Care Operators · Contractors · Designers · Architects · Developers · Project Managers
Our goal is to provide clear structural information that can be understood and implemented in the field.
Where appropriate, we can also assist with construction-stage questions, structural observations and engineering documentation associated with the approved work.
Calgary’s Growing Senior Care Market
Calgary is experiencing significant population growth, while its senior population is also increasing.
This creates long-term demand for:
Senior Housing + Assisted Living + Continuing Care + Aging in Place + Accessible Housing
As these facilities and homes evolve, structural engineering will remain an important part of maintaining and improving the built environment.
At Solid Structural Design Ltd., we are interested in supporting this growing sector through practical structural engineering, renovation design and construction solutions.
Need Structural Engineering for a Senior Care Project?
Whether you are renovating an existing care facility, converting a building, expanding a senior living property, or modifying a home for aging in place, we can help assess the structural requirements and develop an appropriate engineering solution.
Solid Structural Design Ltd.
Structural Engineering & Consulting
Calgary, Alberta
30+ Years of Engineering Experience · Practical Solutions · Residential · Commercial · Industrial