Structural & MEP design – Queen Creek, AZ 

S3DA Design is providing structural and MEP engineering services for a new casita in Queen Creek, Arizona. The project focuses on delivering a safe, efficient, and cost-effective residential structure while ensuring proper integration between structural systems and building mechanical, electrical, and plumbing infrastructure. 

By combining structural and MEP engineering under a coordinated workflow, S3DA helped streamline the design process and optimize construction efficiency.  

S3DA’s Scope 

Structural Engineering 

• Foundation design supporting vertical and lateral loads 

• Structural slab-on-grade design 

• Wood framing structural analysis for gravity and seismic loads 

• Design of: 

• Light-frame wood shear walls 

• Strong walls or steel wall panels for lateral resistance 

• Special moment frames for lateral and gravity loads 

• Load-bearing wood framing systems 

• Elevated floor structural design using: 

• Wood beam joists 

• TJI systems 

• Pre-engineered floor trusses 

• Design of primary structural members including glulam beams and steel beams 

• Structural coordination with architectural design through IFC BIM modeling 

• Complete structural calculation report 

Structural Submission Package 

• Structural specifications and code references 

• Structural foundation plans and footing layouts 

• Reinforcement schedules and foundation details 

• Slab-on-grade and structural detailing 

• Elevated framing plans showing beams, columns, shear walls, and joists 

• Structural sections and elevations 

• Beam, column, and shear wall schedules 

• Typical wood framing and connection details 

• 3D structural model and IFC coordination model 

Mechanical Engineering 

• Mechanical specifications and general notes 

• HVAC heat load calculations 

• Mechanical floor plans 

• Mechanical roof plans 

• Refrigeration and condensate drain piping design 

• Mechanical schedules and equipment calculations 

Electrical Engineering 

• Electrical specifications 

• Lighting and power floor plans 

• Electrical load calculations and schedules 

• Single-line diagram (SLD) and panel schedules 

Plumbing Engineering 

• Plumbing specifications and general notes 

• Domestic water and sanitary drainage plans 

• Stormwater drainage design 

• Water and sanitary riser diagrams 

• Natural gas floor plan and isometric riser diagram 

• Plumbing schedules and system calculations 

Key Challenges & Solutions 

Casita projects require efficient structural framing and carefully coordinated MEP systems within compact building footprints. S3DA evaluated multiple structural systems—including shear walls, strong walls, and moment frames—to determine the most cost-effective structural solution while maintaining safety and code compliance. 

Using 3D BIM coordination and IFC modeling, the structural elements were precisely aligned with architectural layouts and MEP systems to prevent design conflicts during construction. 

The Result 

The project delivers a fully coordinated structural and MEP design package ready for permitting and construction. With integrated engineering services, the design achieves structural stability, efficient mechanical performance, and optimized construction planning for the new casita development.