Ulteig Engineers was contracted by Stonewood Design-Build, LLC to perform structural engineering on the Switz Residence, a luxury home on Lake Calhoun. Structural challenges began with poor soil conditions, which included deep layers of peat and organic material. Geopiers, rammed aggregate piers, offered the most economical solution that allowed the excavator to stay above the water table. They were driven deep into the ground to stabilize the soils and provide adequate support for the 3-story home.

In the rear of the garage, the floor foundation was unstable due to an old tree that was being preserved during construction. A cantilevered steel beam system located in the roof framing was used to hanger support the last four feet of the garage floor for foundation placement. Other house elements requiring structural attention were an elevator, curved walls, 2-story great rooms, arched beams and tall chimneys.

Ulteig will also be involved with the design of a new sport court and exercise area above the garage. The new loading will require several helical piers to prevent overload of the existing Geopiers, a new stair system at the rear of the garage hung from the roof to save additional trees, and new engineered framing to support the tall walls for the sport court. Ulteig provided full structural engineering including site considerations, preliminary design phases, full construction documents, and two construction inspections and on-site assistance.