Structural and MEP Design for a Two-Story Single-Family Residence, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

S3DA Design was proud to lead the engineering for a custom two-story single-family residence located in the prestigious Palm Beach Gardens area. As the single source of responsibility, we provided a fully integrated Structural and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) package designed to meet the high standards of Florida’s coastal building requirements while honoring the home’s unique architectural vision.

S3DA’s Scope

• Structural Engineering: Specialized foundation design to support vertical and lateral loads; structural slab-on-grade; and concrete framing analysis utilizing special moment frames and shear walls for superior seismic and wind resistance.
• Elevated Floor Systems: Design of cost-effective subfloor systems (wood or steel deck) supported by main concrete beams and joists.
• Mechanical Design: Comprehensive HVAC distribution including heat load reports and rigid ductwork secured to the building’s structure.
• Electrical Design: Complete lighting and power floor plans, single-line diagrams (SLD), and precise panel schedules.
• Plumbing & Gas: Domestic water and sanitary drainage riser diagrams, plus natural gas floor plans and isometric layouts.
• BIM Coordination: Development of an IFC model providing a true 3D representation of the structure and MEP systems to ensure clash-free installation.

Key Challenges & Solutions Building in Palm Beach Gardens requires a rigorous approach to high-wind load resistance due to Florida’s hurricane-prone climate. S3DA’s structural team performed a detailed gravity and lateral load analysis, proposing a combination of special concrete moment frames and shear walls. This provided maximum structural durability without sacrificing the open-concept floor plan desired by the architect. Furthermore, by coordinating all MEP and structural elements in an IFC model, we ensured that the rigid HVAC ductwork and plumbing risers were perfectly integrated into the two-story layout, preventing any loss of ceiling height.The Result was a permit-ready, fully coordinated design package that adheres strictly to Florida Building Codes. By consolidating MEP and Structural services under S3DA, the client benefited from a streamlined communication process, reduced potential for field errors, and a home engineered for long-term safety and energy efficiency.