Portfolio
1. Balcony with extra living space and porch entrance underneath as a single story flat roofed extension. The canted section allows cars to turn and maneuver close to the structure.
2. Conversions. The first a modern semi detached house converted from two to six bedrooms in 2012. Douglas Fir. This project was based on a very low budget and maximised the potential space available. The original design had completely wasted the area above the eve and a huge loft space in the steep pitched roof was also completely overlooked in the original design. We squeezed another story into the roof space by lowering the 2nd story ceilings 120mm. The client is very pleased and the interior shots recently taken (see Interiors) show the tremendous achievement he made as his own 2nd fix joiner and decorator. The second conversion shown is also a renovation, repair and upgrade project managed by the owner self builder.
3. Decking. The first in Local untreated Larch installed 20 years ago, then replaced with Oak in 2019. We estimate at least 30 years life in this latest replacement. The last pictures show a deck built also using local Larch. This was for a 'Badger Viewing Deck' near a wildlife reserve, commissioned by a local wildlife trust.
4. Delivery & Erection using various lifting aids including genie hoist. We design the scaffolding with contractors to ensure it's usefulness throughout the build. The main hazards are in parts of the scaffolding either getting in the way or failing to give safe access where erectors and other trades people need to get to. Some frames can be delivered by Van or Pickup. Larger frames need a heavy lorry. We have a lot of experience of solving difficult access, including missing dangerous electricity and telephone cables.
5. Extensions. These are a few examples of Oak framing at it's simplest. Glazing systems have been developed which work well with Oak and Douglas Fir mortise & tenon framing. See 'Glazing' in the Portfolio.
6. Furniture. We can also supply furniture and joinery products from various workshops and makers using traditional techniques. These are compatible with the range of materials and tools needed for heavy structural carpentry. The following pictures are from our own archive when we ran furniture shops using local timber from our own sawmill.
7. Garage. Another example of Douglas Fir for practical and inexpensive solutions. The doors were made by us. They are in graded dry Oak with bespoke hinges. See 'Other Products'.
8. Genie Hoist an essential aid to assembling frames. Available on hire nearly everywhere.
9. Glazing using either separate sub frames into rebates or 'face glazing' with oak cover boards. We ensure our Structural Oak Frames have selected timbers throughout the entire structure. Where glazing may be affected we select matched sawn sections, partially or completely dry to ensure minimum shrinkage and movement on the glazed sections. We organise the design and procurement of matched quarter sawn Oak Cover Boards, sometimes selecting the boards at source to ensure the very best long term watertight glazing without shrinkage or cracks.
10. Haulage is a major factor in Off Site Production. We have 20 years experience ensuring frames get delivered to site, on time. We have experience exporting abroad.
11. Houses traditional & modern using Oak or Douglas Fir
12. Interiors. These photos show past and recent interiors of several glazed conservatory style Oak extensions, the 2012 Conversion from two to six bedroom house, a three bay Douglas Fir Barn and an Oak Framed Kitchen Extension.
13. Joints. Essential to the integrity of a traditionally made Oak Frame are the connections. Here are a few examples of busy and difficult intersections which must be designed, then marked out and cut within certain narrow margins of error. We are currently archiving our own reference catalogue for Architects and Engineers. This aids assessment prior to design. It ensures structural integrity of a frame.
14. Outbuildings
15. Other Products. We can source and supply many different bespoke products using Local British and European Hardwoods. In particular we can make and supply work tops, bespoke brace and ledger doors, window sills, Oak cover boards for Glazing etc. We also do heavy structural steps and stairs; see 'Steps & Stairs'. We ensure steps and stair design will actually work when and where needed in Oak Frames for Houses. We can also design, source and supply/ fit bespoke Flitch Plates and Hinges.
16. Porches
17. Roofs & Trusses
18. Restoration & Renovation
19. Workshop & Joints
20. Workshop & Tools
21. Drawings & Models.
We make a series of sketches through three stages to arrive at accurate working drawings for an engineered frame. Below are some examples of first and second estimate sketches enabling that process. You can engage with us for one, two or three of these stages as a separate consultation and design contract. We also take on subcontracts using existing drawings from other designers.
We make a series of sketches through three stages to arrive at accurate working drawings for an engineered frame. Below are some examples of first and second estimate sketches enabling that process. You can engage with us for one, two or three of these stages as a separate consultation and design contract. We also take on subcontracts using existing drawings from other designers.
22. Sawmilling & Timber. With over twenty years experience of saw milling and selecting / stress grading timbers we try to make sure ALL frames have the very best timbers in them. Some frames this matters more than others, some parts of the frame more than others. We also design frames to minimise the hazards of wood.
23. Steps & Stairs
