Kellogg, Residential Summer House
Bay Head, New Jersey
Built around 1910, the Kellogg house was originally a “boat house.” Modifications such as sealing of the boat slip and construction of a bulkhead were made over the years and the house was converted into a luxurious summer home. The current owners decided to raise the house 6 to 8 feet and completely demolish and rebuild the first floor area, while preserving the second floor construction. The owners were unable to find a contractor to perform the required jacking procedure due to poor soil conditions and inability to build any temporary foundations. In September 2001, W.J. Castle, P.E. & Associates, P.C (CASTLE) was requested to perform an inspection and evaluation to determine if it could be raised without damaging the structure and second floor stone fireplace.
Based on the evaluation, CASTLE was requested to design a foundation system that would raise the house 6 to 8 feet. CASTLE designed jacking frames utilizing Chance Helical Piers (SS5), which consisted of two sets of two rows of piers the length of the house. East set was installed near the outside bearing wall with cross beams and lateral bracing. Helical piers were also installed around the fireplace for a total of 72 piers installed. Small access holes (approx. 2 x 3 feet) were cut through the ground floor at predetermined locations for the piers to be screwed into place to a uniform depth. The jacking frames extended only 2 to 3 feet above grade and were designed to become part of the final foundation system. Once in place, a steel cap beam was attached and jacks positioned. With upper floors supported by this temporary system, first floor walls were removed and a timber crib wall installed. All piling, steel beams, and bracing were installed and cut off as required by Hydro-Marine Construction Co., Inc. (HYDRO) a Chance certified installer.
CASTLE also designed a foundation system for other areas of the house including the overhangs, porches etc. at the owners’ request. HYDRO personnel installed 106 additional piers for these areas while the house was lifted onto the temporary foundation system. The final step for this project was to reconstruct the first floor.
