Homeowner's Dream Of Matching Garage Comes True

“Creative projects deserve real engineering behind them. Our role is to respect the vision, understand the materials, and turn an unconventional idea into something that’s structurally sound and ready for approval.”
- Caleb Vorpahl, StructSolve Engineering

The Situation

The client has spent his entire career in construction and currently works for an electrical company as an equipment operator, specializing in underground utilities, site lighting, and utility poles. Outside of work, he has always approached building with a creative and thrifty mindset, incorporating salvaged and repurposed materials into remodeling projects on his home.

For this project, he envisioned rebuilding the garage on his property in an older Des Moines

neighborhood. Rather than a standard detached garage, he wanted something inspired by historic carriage houses — unique, expressive, and rooted in reuse. The design incorporated bent wood trusses and salvaged parking lot light poles repurposed as structural steel. Although the original design was created more than ten years earlier, it had never progressed toward permitting or construction.

After unsuccessful attempts to connect with other local engineering firms, the client found StructSolve through an online search. From the first call, he was connected directly with an engineer, Travis, which immediately set StructSolve apart. That accessibility and willingness to engage made it clear this was someone he could work with.

Understanding the Vision and Constraints

The project presented a blend of creativity and technical challenge. The primary structural elements were unconventional, relying on reclaimed materials rather than standard residential framing components. The bent wood trusses defined the architectural character, while the salvaged light poles introduced structural steel elements that required careful evaluation. The overall goal was to honor the historic inspiration while ensuring the structure could meet modern building code requirements.

Because the client was operating as a one-man operation, the collaborative aspect of the engineering relationship was especially important. Travis approached the project as a team effort, helping translate the client’s vision into a form that could be understood, reviewed, and ultimately approved by the city.

Findings from Engineering Review

During the initial on-site consultation, StructSolve reviewed the existing concept, materials, and site

conditions. The discussion focused on how the salvaged elements could function structurally, how loads would be transferred through the non-traditional system, and what documentation would be required for permitting. The meeting provided clarity on what was feasible and what needed refinement.

That first visit was pivotal for the client. Seeing his long-standing idea taken seriously and evaluated professionally gave him renewed confidence that the project could move forward. For the first time, he could clearly see a path from concept to approval.

Engineering Integration and Design Development

StructSolve worked to bring the decade-old design back on course by translating the original vision into engineered drawings suitable for submission to the city. The process involved analyzing the salvaged light poles as structural elements, reviewing the behavior of the bent trusses, and developing details that ensured safety, stability, and code compliance.

Throughout the process, the collaboration remained central. The engineering work integrated the client’s construction experience while providing the technical backing needed to move beyond concept and into execution. The resulting design gave the client a sound plan that he could get through permitting and begin construction.

Why This Matters

This project demonstrates how unconventional residential designs can succeed when paired with thoughtful engineering. Reclaimed materials and non-standard forms often create uncertainty during permitting, but with proper analysis and documentation, those challenges can be addressed. StructSolve helped bridge the gap between creative intent and regulatory requirements, allowing a unique vision to remain intact while meeting structural expectations.

Project Details

Location: De Moines, Iowa
Client: Homeowner
Service: Project-Specific Design
Scope: Assist with designing layouts and permitting of a garage.