Oak framed house of light

A well-managed project incorporating ideas and inspiration

The project was managed, in the most part, by local contractor Chris Washbourne and architect Robert Sterry (Paul Archer Design).  This combination worked well for John and Ann as Chris employed a team that he knew would perform well.

The fundamental idea was to build an oak frame house that could integrate new technology and make use of sustainable energy resources.  

Spending most of their time in the main living area, John and Ann wanted to open it up to the roof.  They were happy to compromise on bedroom sizes in exchange for the beautiful, natural, light-filled environment.  

“We wanted a lighter environment than our previous house while retaining similar finishes (of our previous property) such as the use of oak and stone flooring.”

John Sterry, Build It Magazine, January 2017

John and Ann came to visit the team at Carpenter Oak, Devon, to discuss their ideas at the early stages.

“The team at Carpenter Oak worked with Robert to produce a frame that matched up to our hopes.  They understood what we were trying to build from the beginning and maintained good communication throughout the manufacture and erection of the structure.  The oak frame is integral to the house design and gives it real character by displaying traditional shapes and materials in a modern setting, which is what we wanted.”

John Sterry, Build It Magazine, January 2017

The frame was unusual in that it didn’t have tie beams at eaves level, but instead had very high collars in the roof spaces.

“The span and truss arrangement required the central floor beams to be 350mm deep to withstand the loads.  The straight bracing, rather than curved, creates a contemporary feel but it still features traditional joints.”

Paul Slemmings, Frame Designer, Carpenter Oak

An energy efficient structure with exposed inner workings

With much of the frame exposed internally, you can appreciate how the structure is formed.  The natural, tactile textures of the oak compliment the vast contemporary expanses of glass.  Sandblasting the frame maintains the lightness of the oak, contributing to the light interior while acknowledging the character that John and Ann wanted to retain from their previous property.

The frame took 21/2 days to raise and was a straightforward process. The raising process was aided by John and Ann sending pictures of the site and access details to ensure that the lorry and crane could get through.  

Wrapping the oak frame in SIP’s creates a fully weathertight space in a relatively short amount of time.  John and Ann chose the SIP’s wraparound system to give a high level of insulation and airtightness.

Achieving good energy efficiency was significant in every aspect of the building, several systems were put in place in an attempt to be as self-sufficient as possible and minimise utilities.

“The house is warmed with underfloor heating, fuelled by a Valiant EcoTec boiler connected to a Megaflow pressurised water system and tank…….A Vent Axia mechanical ventilation and heat recovery system (MVHR) captures warmth from stale air and redistributes it through the house as part of a fresh supply.”

Richard Webber, Build It Magazine

Solar thermal panels supply hot water during most of the summer months.  

John and Ann also installed a 3,000L underground rainwater tank which fills from the roof’s downpipes.  This water is filtered and used for flushing toilets and the washing machine.

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