Twenty-six exceptional oak framed residences from the UK, featuring the country's first oak frame Passivhaus and an affordable option priced at only £200k.
Oak frame homes have gained popularity in recent years, offering a unique blend of traditional charm and modern design. Here's a comprehensive guide on what to consider when building an oak frame home.
Material Behavior and Design Adaptation
The natural movement of oak timber, such as shrinking, splitting, and twisting, must be taken into account during the design phase, particularly when integrating large glazed areas. Solutions like fitting glazed units on the face of the oak posts and beams with flexible joints and weather seals can prevent cracking and accommodate timber movement.
Choosing an Experienced Specialist Team
Working with builders and designers who specialize in oak framing ensures they understand oak's natural shrinkage and the correct architectural detailing, leading to a structurally sound and aesthetically successful home.
Speed of Construction and Cost Implications
Oak frames can be erected quickly, allowing the home to become wind and watertight within weeks. This reduces labor costs and exposure risks during construction.
Sustainable and Quality Timber Selection
Using high-quality green oak, responsibly sourced, ensures durability and character over time. Oak gains strength as it ages and contributes to an environmentally friendly build.
Site Suitability and Foundation Considerations
Good site drainage and soil strength are critical for foundation support. Site access for assembly and lifting equipment must be planned, as frames are usually assembled horizontally before raising.
Construction Techniques and Detailing
Combining traditional handcrafted oak frame techniques with modern 3D design and fabrication methods yields a precise and reliable frame. Insulation and airtightness strategies should complement the oak frame to ensure energy efficiency.
Budgeting Both Upfront and Long Term
Plan for costs including timber, delivery, labor, and ongoing maintenance, especially considering oak’s natural characteristics and the possible need for specialized glazing systems.
Choosing the Right Oak Frame Company
Choosing the right oak frame company is an important aspect to get right. Many companies offer additional services such as project management.
Designing for Future Living
Consider designing for future living when building a new home, don't get caught up in thinking about the now and forget what your future needs might be. Small, delicate, and endlessly charming oak frame homes can be designed to be an affordable solution.
Style and Aesthetic
Building an oak frame home offers instant personality and is suitable for both traditional and contemporary designs. The very nature of oak frame lends itself extremely well to open-plan homes. It's possible to add a self-contained annexe to a design for inter-generational living. The oak frame can be exposed internally and externally depending on the aesthetic desired.
Real-Life Inspiration
Visiting show homes for real-life inspiration is suggested when considering building an oak frame home. Visiting other oak homes can spark house design ideas and decisions.
Case Studies
- Judy Bishop built a light-filled oak-framed home with extra-wide doors, raised sockets, and level thresholds for accessibility.
- The first certified oak frame Passivhaus BnB in the UK was built.
- Wendy and Steve Hunter bought a plot which already had planning permission for a Border Oak-designed dwelling from the company themselves.
- Anthony and Liz Lewis were guided by planning permission towards certain materials for the exterior design, leading to a graceful solution.
- The Burnett's new home features two south-facing gable ends, fitted with triple glazing, which means the upside-down layout takes advantage of the stunning countryside views.
Sustainability Features
Modern construction techniques have given traditional oak frame houses a 21st-century overhaul. An air source heat pump, rainwater harvesting tank, and three-phase electrical systems ensure the home will remain sustainable well into the future. The couple approached the build costs associated with Passivhaus design as an investment for their retirement, as their energy bills are now dramatically lower thanks to a ground source heat pump, MVHR system, and highly insulated frame.
Affordable Solutions
An affordable, yet beautiful self-build solution is possible with an oak frame kit home. By taking on big DIY tasks, first-time homeowners Charlie and Helen Mills worked with Oakwrights to self-build a home to a reasonable budget of £220,000. Adding two oak frame extensions can transform an uninspiring cottage into a charming home with tonnes of personality.
The Benefits of an Oak Frame Home
Sue and Dick Maaz visited the Woodhouse before starting their self-build to appreciate the benefits of open-plan living. Clients preferring a more modern finish tend to go for a more minimalist design with lots of glazing. High-quality precision engineering means the design possibilities for oak frame homes are endless. This high-spec eco home was the first oak frame Passivhaus-certified property in the UK, demonstrating that green homes do not need to be grand designs using expensive hi-tech building design and construction technology.
In conclusion, building an oak frame home offers a unique blend of traditional charm, modern design, and sustainability. With careful planning, budgeting, and the right team, you can create a beautiful, energy-efficient, and affordable living space that suits your lifestyle and needs.
- During the design phase, account for the natural movement of oak timber, like shrinking, splitting, and twisting, especially when integrating large glazed areas.
- Choosing a specialist team with experience in oak framing ensures a structurally sound and aesthetically successful home.
- Oak frames can be erected quickly, reducing labor costs and exposure risks during construction.
- High-quality green oak, responsibly sourced, enhances durability and character over time.
- Good site drainage and soil strength are essential for foundation support, as frames are usually assembled horizontally before raising.
- Combining traditional handcrafted oak frame techniques with modern 3D design and fabrication methods yields a precise and reliable frame.
- Consider energy efficiency by complementing the oak frame with insulation and airtightness strategies.
- Plan for costs including timber, delivery, labor, and ongoing maintenance, accounting for oak's natural characteristics.
- Choose an oak frame company offering additional services like project management.
- Design for future living by considering what your needs might be, even if you don't need accommodations immediately.
- Visit show homes for real-life inspiration and to appreciate the benefits of open-plan living, sustainability features, and design possibilities offered by oak frame homes.
