Renton Hall Extension

WT Architecture had a clear vision of what they wanted for the extension and came to Carpenter Oak to help refine it – as specialists in timber we provided advice on material, connection and finish options.

The extension’s frame is British grown, partially kiln dried Douglas fir which has been planed all-round. The refined finish to the space required a stable and predictable material, which is typically hard to achieve in large section timbers (other than glulam). While it is not possible to fully kiln-dry large beams of solid section timber, the partial kilning approach greatly reduced moisture content, and extent to which the timber could be expected to shrink and move once installed.

The timber structure is beautifully simple, with two longitudinal eaves beams supporting pairs of common rafters to form the pitched roof. In the absence of solid horizontal timber ties over the open plan living room, thrust from the roof is resisted by two steel tie bars spanning between the eaves beams. 

The attention to detail in the building is impressive. Certain connections in the timber structure are highly visible, and we enjoyed working with the design team to consider options to best express these. There was a focus on the sight lines of the timber structure through the different spaces of the extension, and as seen externally through the extensive glazing.

Externally, the architects have designed the extension to be deferential to the manor house, with the relationship referencing that of manor house to outbuilding, in the local vernacular. It has been finished with larch cladding, frameless glazing, and lime-rendered walls, giving it its own distinct attractiveness.

This has been a joy to work on and the team at Carpenter Oak are proud to have been involved in an award-winning project which is also a stunning, lasting family home.

Carpenter Oak builds projects all over the UK, working with architects and self-builders to help them create stunning timber framed spaces. Please get in touch with us to discuss your plans.

Photography: Gillian Dapple Photography