Oak framed reverse-level home

Traditional materials with eco friendly features

Having worked in Switzerland and seen the use of timber buildings there, Natasha was keen for an oak frame home which was also energy efficient. Being able to install features such as a heat pump, solar panels and excellent insulation whilst still using a traditional material was an important factor for Peter and Natasha.

They met some of the Carpenter Oak team in person at trade shows, and in early 2019 they joined us at one of our open house events where they showed us drawings and indicative plans.

They had commissioned John Thompson Architects and we worked with them to design Peter and Natasha’s bespoke oak frame.

“Carpenter Oak were very knowledgeable, supportive and flexible in working with us.  The design process was quite protracted as securing planning permission took a long time, and we had plenty of questions along the way, which were all dealt with very well, often with thoughtful input and suggestions.” Clients, Peter and Natasha

A tricky build on such a steep site

Once the design had been agreed on and planning permission granted, the builders, Woofenden, had a lot of groundworks to do on site, including cutting back into the hillside on this very steep site.

The access to the site was also awkward and with power cables nearby. A lot of thought had to go into site access for lorries and cranes so that our carpenters could get the oak frame into place and raised.

Once we had installed the 2 storey frame for the main part of the house, it was wrapped by Glosfords with Structural Insulated Panels. Our Senior Frame Designer, Paul Slemmings, then returned to the site to do a further site survey for the balconies. The steepness of the site meant the balcony posts would land at different heights so required complicated and careful planning, designing and installation.

Making the most of the views – a reverse-level house

The frame in Peter and Natasha’s home has four bays on the ground floor with four bedrooms – these are cleverly set out to maximise the space and the oak on show. The ground floor also has a formal front door with an oak porch and an L-shaped staircase leading up to the first floor. 

The first floor is set out over three bays with the 4th bay essentially being the balcony. This beautifully vaulted space is an open plan living area, benefitting from the incredible views of the Blackdown Hills, with the balcony accessed easily, designed to be a part of the living space.

Using locally sourced flint on the most prominent ground floor external walls and cedar cladding, as well as the oak frame balconies and porch, creates a beautiful home that sits perfectly in its position. Internally, the clients have chosen a contemporary style which compliments the oak frame perfectly.

“We are very happy with the home that we have been able to build – the combination of the exposed beams, light flooding through our open plan living areas and the stunning views leave us feeling as though we are fortunate to be living in a holiday home on a permanent basis!” Clients, Peter and Natasha

We love being a part of these amazing self-builds and helping our clients to build stunning timber framed spaces. If you would like to know more about how we can help you achieve your dreams, please get in touch with us.

Photography: Richard Downer