Oak Framed Buildings
Little compares to the beauty and craftsmanship found in traditional English oak-framed buildings. For many years, owners of rural properties have favoured this style of construction while developing their homes. You will see from the examples below, choosing a professional service where every aspect of the building is taken care of from design and planning, to complete build, can produce a particularly unique oak framed building that’s built to last.
Traditional jointing methods are used to connect the oak beams in these frames, which are often left exposed to showcase the design. As these robust structures are exposed to the elements, the external components darken over time, giving the appearance of a building that has stood for many years. Here you will see high volumes of chunky oak-work is continued throughout the interior of each design, including the ground floor and room above heated spaces. A standard that is not commonplace in the oak framing industry.
Design | Planning | Build
For those seeking uniqueness that distinguishes their home from the ordinary, utilising traditional building materials and methods is one of the best approaches. Incorporating traditional materials into modern construction is not only feasible but can also be an effective utilisation of natural, sustainable resources.
A prime example of combining modern and traditional timber framed building materials is the use of green oak timber frames. Green oak, has been employed in buildings across the United Kingdom for centuries, as evidenced by many oak framed structures still standing today. Oak can withstand climatic variations, insects, and moisture that often cause modern materials to deteriorate. As a hardwood, it dries and becomes tougher with age. While some may argue that green oak moves too much, this is only an issue where the design integration has not been thought-through, a scenario often found in cheap oak frame kits or services where the provider is not accountable to the whole build. Coordinating a professional timber frame design, with a service that is accountable to the entire construction of oak frame buildings will produce the best results.
Timber Frame Design
Another essential feature of traditional oak buildings is the timber cladding. This aspect can gain a poor reputation if the wrong materials are used in unsuitable environments or if installation is not performed by a professional. However, timber cladding can be beautiful when the right type of timber is chosen. High natural oil content timbers are ideal for cladding as they naturally resist weather and movement.
Roof tiling and traditional ironmongery is often overlooked in the finishing stages, yet it can significantly differentiate a house that feels traditional from one that seems like any other new construction. From door handles and closers to hinges and kitchen cupboard fittings, there is a range of traditional choices that can enhance the overall design. Local variants—ranging from blacksmith-made handles to decorated porcelain cabinet knobs—can help reflect the unique character of your home’s location. The primary advantage of using traditional building materials is that the new building will feel like it belongs in its surroundings. While this may seem insignificant at first, when it comes to choosing a place to call home, these materials foster a sense of belonging that transforms a house into a true home.
Initial Consultation
Start the ball rolling with an informative telephone consultation where you will gain only answers to all your questions, a planning feasibility assessment, detailed cost indications and a summary of timings from highly experienced experts in designing and building creative oak framed buildings.
We will provide you with a clear understanding of the steps involved in your project, as well as an idea of the potential challenges and opportunities that may arise. By starting the ball rolling with an informative conversation, you can set yourself up for a productive start and ensure that your project is on the right track from the very beginning. Don’t hesitate to schedule your telephone consultation today and take the first step towards bringing your vision to life.