Creating a Large Open-Plan Family Room in Hertford with Exposed Steel Beams
At Wall Away Ltd, we help homeowners unlock the full potential of their properties through carefully planned load-bearing wall removals and RSJ installations. This recent project in Hertford is a fantastic example of how structural alterations can completely transform the way a home functions.
Our clients wanted to create a large open-plan family room that would provide a flexible space for cooking, dining, entertaining, and spending time together. The existing layout was broken up by structural walls, making the property feel smaller and more compartmentalised than it needed to be.
The solution involved removing the structural barriers and installing a series of steel beams to create one large, uninterrupted living space.
The Structural Challenge
Creating large open-plan areas often requires more than a single steel beam. In this project, multiple structural elements needed to work together to safely support the loads from above while maintaining the open design the clients were looking for.
Careful planning, structural calculations, and precise installation were required to ensure that all loads were transferred correctly through the new steel framework.
The result is a huge open family room with clear sightlines across the entire space and plenty of flexibility for the next stages of the renovation.
Exposed Steel Beams as a Design Feature
One of the most exciting aspects of this project is that the clients have chosen to leave the steel beams exposed rather than boxing them in.
Exposed steels have become increasingly popular in modern renovations, extensions, and open-plan living projects. When incorporated correctly, they can create an industrial-inspired architectural feature while also highlighting the structural engineering behind the space.
To prepare the steels for their final appearance, we applied a black satin fire-rated coating. This not only provides the required fire protection but also gives the beams a clean, professional finish ready to become part of the final design.
The contrast between the black steelwork and the finished plastered walls will create a striking focal point once the renovation is complete.
Load-Bearing Wall Removal and RSJ Installation
Projects like this demonstrate why professional load-bearing wall removal is so important.
Removing structural walls without adequate support can compromise the safety of a property. The installation of correctly designed RSJs (Rolled Steel Joists) ensures the building remains structurally sound while allowing homeowners to enjoy larger and more practical living spaces.
Our team specialises in:
Open-plan living transformations
Every project is completed in accordance with structural engineer calculations and Building Regulations requirements.
Ready for the Next Stage
With the structural work now complete, this project is ready to move into the next phase.
The steelwork has been installed, fire protected, and prepared for its final exposed finish. The new open-plan space has been created, and now it's over to the dry liners and plasterers to begin transforming the structure into a beautiful finished family room.
We can't wait to see the completed result.
The Outcome
This Hertford project demonstrates how removing load-bearing walls and installing structural steelwork can completely change the feel of a home. What was once a series of separate rooms is now a bright, spacious, and highly functional family living area designed around modern lifestyles.
It's another successful RSJ installation in Hertford and another stunning family space added to the Wall Away Ltd portfolio.