Preserving the legacy of The Engine House

The Engine House is a historic landmark within the Linotype Works building in Broadheath. Originally built in 1897 to house specialist typesetting machinery, this industrial icon faced demolition in 2021. However, a successful bid to Historic England secured its Grade II listed status, preserving its legacy for future generations.

Located on Norman Road in Altrincham, the revitalised Engine House  blends heritage with contemporary design, evolving into stylish modern apartments while honouring its industrial roots. The transformation was made possible through the collaboration of Acorn Timber Engineering Ltd and Shelbourne Estates, part of the Morris Homes Group.

At the heart of this project is Elicia Brumley, Acorn Timber Engineering’s senior designer. Starting her career as one of Acorn’s first apprentices, Elicia has risen to become the sole designer for key client Morris Homes – which in 2025 won her the Conversion and Refurbishment Project of the Year  at the Trussed Rafter Association’s Roofscape Design Awards.

Elicia’s passion for the project was evident: “Working on The Engine House was an incredible experience. It’s not just about preserving history, but it’s about breathing new life into it so people can experience and enjoy it for generations to come. I’m proud to have been part of its transformation.”

Project scope and design approach

The original structure measured 12 metres wide, 20 metres long, and 14 metres tall. When structural engineers Atkinson Peck assessed the site, they concluded the building was unsuitable for traditional conversion. This led to a careful dismantling process, preserving original elements like the travel crane, stonework, and slate tiles.

Each component was catalogued and stored, ready to be reinstated in its rightful place during reconstruction – for this project, more than 200 truss components, including 18 different truss types were designed and manufactured.

The standout feature is a 12.287-metre truss with a horned bottom chord, designed to fit seamlessly into the parapet wall. Attic truss monos were also introduced, providing space for fire-door access without altering the building’s historic profile.

The roof design integrates a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system, ensuring modern energy efficiency while maintaining the Engine House’s character. Trusses were positioned to accommodate pipework and allow safe anchor points for harnesses, streamlining maintenance and preserving structural integrity.

Overcoming technical challenges

The reconstruction of The Engine House presented substantial technical hurdles. Spanning 20 metres in length, the design required a sophisticated array of truss types. The largest, extending over 12 metres, demanded exacting calculations to handle safety harness loads while maintaining the building’s structural authenticity. Extended bottom chords were engineered to fit flawlessly within the parapet walls, mirroring the original design while enhancing structural resilience.

Attic truss monos were crafted to permit maintenance access, including the installation of fire doors. This required intricate planning and close collaboration with Morris Homes to ensure all technical specifications were met without compromising historical accuracy. Trusses were also labelled to provide clarity during installation, preventing confusion and reducing on-site risks.

Health and safety considerations

Handling large trusses and spandrel panels in a confined site required detailed planning and coordination.

Deliveries were split over two days, with day one for trusses and day two for spandrel panels. The panels were divided into smaller sections to improve manoeuvrability and reduce weight constraints during installation.

Each truss was labelled with clear identifiers to match design drawings, ensuring seamless assembly and minimising on-site risks. Collaboration with the Morris Homes team allowed for efficient unloading and safe placement despite space constraints. The project team adhered to modern health and safety practices, which stood in stark contrast to the original 1897 build, ensuring worker safety and compliance with current regulations.

Sustainability initiatives

Sustainability was woven into every stage of The Engine House project. All timber supplied adhered to PEFC standards, ensuring responsible sourcing from managed forests. Designs were optimised to reduce offcuts and minimise waste, and transportation was strategically planned to cut down the number of deliveries, effectively lowering the project’s carbon footprint.

Additionally, original slate tiles from the Engine House were salvaged and reused, preserving its character and reducing waste. Where replicas were necessary, they were fabricated with precision in factory settings to maintain accuracy and minimise excess.

Lessons from the project

The Engine House project solidified Acorn Timber Engineering’s reputation for technical excellence, heritage preservation, and sustainable design. Key takeaways included the importance of strategic planning and optimising truss designs for efficient production and installation.

For Elicia Brumley, her role as lead designer not only showcased her expertise but also reinforced her commitment to sustainable, heritage-focused construction. The Engine House is an example to what’s possible when innovation meets tradition, setting a new standard for heritage restoration projects in the construction industry.

Nick Boulton, chief executive of the Trussed Rafter Association (TRA), said: “The Engine House is a prime example of how heritage and modern design can coexist beautifully. Acorn Timber Engineering didn’t just rebuild a structure; they reignited a legacy.

“Elicia’s work is remarkable. Her precision and commitment to sustainable design have truly brought The Engine House back to life, stronger and more resilient than ever.”