105 Modern Retreat (MR 105 / MLC Single Family Home)

Project Details

This project involves the structural design and engineering of a new 1-story single-family residence featuring approximately 2,996 sq. ft. of livable space. The comprehensive architectural layout includes three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, a flex room, a 3-car garage, an RV garage, and covered outdoor porches, resulting in a total footprint of 5,299 sq. ft. and 6,325 sq. ft. under roof. The primary structure utilizes wood-frame construction (Type VB) with a building envelope designed for energy efficiency according to 2018 IECC standards. The engineering scope required detailed structural analysis for both gravity and lateral load resistance. The framing system consists of Douglas Fir Larch wood members, including beams, joists, and rafters, integrated with prefabricated and pre-engineered wood roof trusses. Lateral stability is provided through high-strength wood shear walls and specialized Simpson Strong-Tie “Strong Walls,” ensuring the residence can safely withstand a design wind speed of 108 MPH (Exposure C) and seismic requirements for Seismic Design Category D. Structural elements were engineered in strict accordance with the International Building Code (IBC 2021), International Residential Code (IRC 2018/2021), ASCE 7-16, and NDS 2018 provisions. The foundation system features a reinforced concrete slab-on-grade with independent concrete footings and thickened edges designed to perform reliably under a gross soil bearing capacity of 2,000 psf. Additionally, the design incorporates modern mechanical and lighting systems as detailed in the comprehensive power and lighting plans.

Role

Structural Engineer/Designer

Services Provided

he scope of services included the preparation of comprehensive structural calculations and structural drawings for the proposed project. Structural calculations included complete load analyses for wind, seismic, dead, and live loads in accordance with applicable building codes and project site conditions. The work covered the structural analysis and design of all primary structural elements, including foundations, shear walls, load-bearing walls, columns, beams, headers, trusses or rafters, ridge beams, and all required connectors. The calculations ensured that all structural components were adequately designed to safely transfer gravity and lateral loads through a continuous and code-compliant load path.
Structural drawings were prepared to clearly communicate the structural system and construction requirements. The drawing set included a Foundation Plan indicating the layout and configuration of the foundation system; a Roof Framing Plan showing the arrangement of rafters, trusses, ridge beams, and related framing members; and a Shear Wall Layout Plan identifying the locations and extents of lateral force-resisting elements. In addition, the drawings included Structural Building Section Views illustrating the relationship of key structural components, along with typical structural details, notes, and specifications necessary to guide construction and ensure compliance with design intent, applicable codes, and project requirements. The documents were prepared to provide clarity for permitting, coordination, and field implementation.