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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.