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Architecture/Corner Cantilever

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Expert: - 11/19/2007


Question
QUESTION: I am having a hard time finding information on two sided cantilever (corner cantilever) design. This is easy for a deck but what about for load bearing walls? Do you know where I can find more information? Is it even possible (within reason) to cantilever the corner of a building (single story residence) and not just one side?

ANSWER: Alicia - thanks for your question!

Corners can easily be cantilevered - you are essentially creating two cantilevers that meet at the corner.

The direction of the floor joists, the distance of the cantilever(s), and the superimposed loads on the corner will determine the feasibility of the construction.  

Although the loads differ, you're doing the same thing with the house as with the deck.

Contact a local design professional or structural engineer to help you with the calculations - every situation is different!

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.com
www.rtaplans.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Richard. Do you know of any references that may discuss or provide examples of hold downs/foundation connections in these circumstances? It seems that the corner that is cantilevered could provide a lot of uplift at the connection point. I'm just surprised that I'm having such a hard time finding examples of this type of detail. Architecturally, corner cantilevers really look great.

Answer
Alicia - uplift shouldn't be problem if the length of the cantilever is reasonable; the foundation connection shouldn't be different from the rest of the plates.

You're not finding any information on it because it's the kind of condition that requires specific design and engineering, and because it's not a particularly practical detail, especially from an energy standpoint - you're exposing additional heated area to the outside.

And the additional engineering and structural details might offset the savings in the foundation cost.

Sorry, but I don't have any additional references for you...your best source would be a local engineer.

Regards,

Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.com
www.rtaplans.com

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Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

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I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

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Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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