Carpenter Oak CPD Programmes

Carpenter Oak Continual Professional Development (CPDs)

Developing the way that architects and engineers understand both the role and potential of timber framing in today’s building design and construction

At Carpenter Oak, we believe it is key to work as partners.  Collaborating, sharing knowledge and supporting each other’s businesses.

As part of that ethos, we have developed a set of CPD courses.  Each is designed to offer insight and knowledge into oak, timber framing and pushing the boundaries with evermore creative and expertly engineered projects. We are constantly showing the diversity of wood and how it rivals many other materials.

Timber framing is one of our oldest construction methods, yet this very history often informs assumptions about the role of a timber frame in architecture.

Timber frames are often perceived as traditional structures, incorporated as aesthetic add-ons to a design rather than them fulfilling their real potential as a structural part of a building.

Carpenter Oak’s range of CPD programmes are designed to significantly enrich the knowledge of architects, engineers and construction professionals – showing how timber frames can play an important role in today’s architecture.

 

One-hour CPD programme – delivered in-person or online

Overview

A one-hour CPD for anyone involved in or considering the use of structural timber frames in a building project, and how timber provides a structural solution for any project. We offer a CPD on green oak and a CPD on other types of timber such as Douglas fir and glulam.

Location

This session is delivered by arrangement at architects’ or engineers’ premises around the UK and is dependent on the number of delegates. We can also deliver this online if this is more suitable to you.

Agenda

Find out how to utilise traditionally constructed timber frames through to cutting-edge timber engineering.

The session covers:

• The reasons for building in timber.
• Shrinkage and movement.
• The material.
• Interface detailing.
• Working with the idiosyncrasies of green timber.
• The design, fabrication and erection processes.

 

Half-day CPD programme

Overview

A half-day CPD session designed to provide architects and engineers with a detailed insight into timber-framing methods, construction, design and potential within today’s architecture, as well as a tour of the yard and Q&A with some of our skilled carpenters in the workshops.

Location

We deliver these CPDs at our Carpenter Oak timber yards in both Devon or Scotland.

Agenda

Discover how to design a cost-effective, efficient-to-construct building, using sustainable timber while blending it with the latest technologies and materials to achieve stunning structural frames.

The session covers:

• Efficient layout processes.
• Designing for green timber construction – accommodation of shrinkage and movement.
• Typical spans and timber sizes – what is achievable in green timber construction.
• Typical interface detailing – what works and why.
• Timber frame encapsulation.

Our CPDs are informal, yet well-structured and provide an ideal forum for discussion and debate. We encourage you to raise questions and issues relating to your projects.

Sessions provided at Carpenter Oak’s framing yards allow delegates to see first-hand how frames are manufactured, giving the opportunity to speak on a one-on-one basis to experienced framers about the manufacturing and erection processes.

 

Presenters

Our presenters’ informal yet well-structured style provides an ideal forum for discussion and debate and attendees are encouraged to raise questions and issues relating to their projects.

 

Luke Copley-Wilkins

After studying architecture at university and working for several practices in the south of England, Luke spent time working on experimental timber architecture including with Studio in the Woods & Dartmoor Arts. Luke also worked in New Zealand delivering projects focused around innovative, lightweight timber buildings. He returned to the UK to work at Carpenter Oak.

Since his role as Managing Director in 2018, Luke has focused on building and engineering ambitious timber projects in the UK, Europe and Middle East. He has delivered a number of RIBA award-winning projects including Redhill Barn, extension to Grade II* Radley College Chapel and The Boathouse. These all aim to showcase the ability to build with timber in a sustainable and aesthetic way. He is currently working on a mix of commercial, public and private projects.

Alongside a passion for timber, Luke loves exploring Dartmoor & the Devon coast with his young family.

 

Adam Milton

Adam is a founding member of Carpenter Oak. His interest in aesthetically beautiful things was established with a foundation in Art & Design and a degree in Furniture Design, which led to training as a cabinet maker, where he learnt skilled joinery.

He joined Carpenter Oak and Woodland in Chippenham 1987, focusing on the restoration of timber-framed buildings throughout southern England, including the 14th century Charlton Court barn, and the kitchen roof at Windsor Castle, following the fire in 1992.

Adam formed the Devon yard, creating beautiful contemporary new oak framed buildings using traditional skills. The success of the yard Devon grew from a team of 6 to 40 or so skilled carpenters with a small support team. Many of the buildings were featured on the first few series of Grand Designs and in national press.

In 2004 Adam, along with 3 other directors, took over the Devon branch of Carpenter Oak, becoming Managing Director and overseeing many more incredible builds throughout the UK and abroad. These include the boundary pushing Bedales School theatre, the award winning curved Cranham Lodge, the humbling British Normandy Memorial and more recently two very different but equally special converted barns in Devon – Willowplatt and Redhill.

In 2017 Adam and the other owners enabled Carpenter Oak along the path to becoming employee owned and the succession of the younger generation. He now works three days a week sharing his remarkable knowledge and experience internally and externally, regularly giving CPD presentations to designers and engineers across the UK. Adam is passionate about the use of timber in construction, and enabling clients and their design teams to fully harness the potential of timber in their project.

Adam can usually be found sailing his boat on the River Dart or walking along the beautiful South Devon coast with his wife, and spending time with his three children and grandchildren.

 

Fergus Stuart

Fergus has spent his career to date in the timber industry, and has worked at the Scottish yard of Carpenter Oak since 2008. Starting as an apprentice carpenter, he spent 7 years learning the craft of timber framing and working across some landmark projects, including Rosslyn Chapel Visitor Centre, The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and a number of award winning residential projects.

In more recent years Fergus has spent time in sales, design, estimating and project management, gaining an overview of projects from concept to realisation, with an approach firmly rooted in an understanding of making and erecting timber structures. Taking particular enjoyment in guiding clients and architects through this process, Fergus is now sales lead for the business, and part of our senior leadership team.

 

About Carpenter Oak – the UK’s leader in bespoke timber frames

Carpenter Oak produces more bespoke timber frames than any other UK company.  This means that we are continually redefining the boundaries of what can be achieved when using a timber structure and have unequalled experience in solving new timber engineering problems.  This places us in a unique position to provide timber-framing CPD programmes, helping us to expand the knowledge of the architectural and engineering professions around the UK.

Carpenter Oak was founded in 1987 and developed from the roots of a small, timber-frame repair and conservation business.  The company diversified and grew into a leader in not just residential but commercial timber-framed buildings and historic frame conservation and restoration, gaining a reputation as the industry experts in this area.

In 2003 we opened a specialist division to concentrate on timber engineering for high-specification and difficult projects.  Built on our high levels of technical expertise and years of practical experience of complex design, exacting manufacture and erection methodology, we are now regarded by many as the leading authority in the UK.

Read more: The Carpenter Oak Timeline

 

How to book a CPD with us

If you would like to book a CPD with Carpenter Oak, contact us.

 

CPD TESTIMONIALS

 

 

‘This was a brilliant seminar: let’s have another one!’  Phil Parker, Woodside and Parker

‘Carpenter Oak Ltd have huge depth and breadth in both their knowledge and technical capabilities.  The presentation was clear, highly informative and gave an insight into the endless possibilities of what is possible with timber framing.’ George Batterham, Batterham Smith Architects

‘Best seminar I’ve been to in a long time. Very good talk and the framers were very helpful too – thanks.’  Ian Robertson, Kearney Donald Partnership

“We were all hugely impressed by the quality of your fabulous timber framing projects.  They were so imaginative and at teh very cutting edge of what must be possble.  You have opened our eyesto so much more than we thought ever possible with your timber framing for which I am extremely grateful.’  Jonathan Clarke, Energy Solutions

‘Thank you all again for a great afternoon yesterday, it was more than worthwhile.’  Darren Williams, Lodgecrest

‘Just a quick note to follow up your excellent seminar last Tuesday.  I have to say I learned a huge amount and was very impressed with your staff and the setup.’  Iain Wood, New Forest Timber Solutions

‘Thank you so very much for yesterday’s seminar – it was absolutely excellent. It was wonderful to see the workforce revelling in what they do and the company managing to successfully mix traditional materials and skills with modern technology. Well worth the drive and the time.’  Richard Post, Architectural Ideas

‘The most useful seminar I’ve attended in a long time. Other CPD organisers and speakers should sit in and learn from this excellent presentation.’  Pamela Fielder, Fielder Cruse Architects

‘We thoroughly enjoyed the day. The quality of your CPD certainly matched the obvious excellence and attention to detail of your work.  It’s apparent that the company is still innovating and building on its existing extensive experience.’  Lyndon Piper, Piper Architecture