New Entrance Porch Structural Design – Kitchener
This project involved the structural design of a new entrance porch for an educational facility in Kitchener, Ontario.
Parsways’ scope was limited to the OBC Part 4 design of the new foundation, steel framing, and wood joists, with existing building, architectural, mechanical, and proprietary components excluded.
Location: Kitchener, Ontario
Completion: 2026
Sector: Educational
1. The Challenge
The project required a permit-ready structural design for a new entrance porch connected to an existing portable classroom.
Limited Structural Scope:
The design had to address only the new porch structure while excluding responsibility for existing conditions.
Existing Wall Connection:
The new ledger and roof joists required connection to existing wall framing, with siding removal, blocking, flashing, and drainage continuity considered.
Exterior Exposure:
Steel, wood, fasteners, and connections had to be detailed for outdoor exposure, corrosion protection, and frost conditions.
2. The Engineering Solution
Parsways prepared structural drawings for the new porch foundation, steel framing, and wood roof joists.
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a) Foundation Design:
A reinforced concrete foundation wall and strip footing were designed with frost protection and 75 kPa SLS soil bearing.
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b) Steel Framing Design:
The porch structure included HSS columns, a W200x27 steel beam, base plates, cap plates, anchor bolts, and galvanized exterior steel.
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c) Wood Joist and Ledger Detailing:
The roof framing used 2x10 joists, joist hangers, pressure-treated ledger connections, through bolts, blocking, and flashing.
3. The Outcome
The project resulted in a stamped, permit-issued structural package for the new entrance porch. The design defined the foundation, steel framing, wood joist layout, and wall connection requirements clearly for construction, while supporting Ontario Building Code compliance and long-term exterior durability.