WHAT WE DO
FRAME DESIGN
From the first ideas to our final workshop drawings...your timber frame comes alive with the help of 3D visualizations long before we craft the real thing.
Based either on your own ideas or your architect's outline design, we start by exploring to which extent a structural timber frame could integrate into your design proposal and enhance your project.
From the outset, we create a three dimensional model of the proposed timber framed structure.
Our visualization for a 'Green' Oak framed swimming pool enclosure.
Based either on your own ideas or your architect's outline design, we start by exploring to which extent a structural timber frame could integrate into your design proposal and enhance your project.
Click on the image to enlarge
'Green' Oak and Douglas Fir framed buildings and structures, handcrafted in Somerset.
Our visualization for a Green Oak framed swimming pool enclosure.
'Green' Oak and Douglas Fir framed buildings and structures, handcrafted in Somerset.
FRAME CARPENTRY
Handcrafted with great attention to every detail in our workshop in Somerset.
The beautiful raw material for an Oak framed building! We use only PEFC or FSC certified timber for our projects so that our work's impact on our environment is sustainable. For more information, please go to www.pefc.org or www.fsc-uk.org/en-uk.
With the frame design finalised and approved, the timber for the new project has arrived from the sawmill at our workshop. Each piece is carefully checked for flaws, such as knots, shakes or grain patterns that could compromise the timber's strength. This 'grading' ensures that unsuitable timbers are rejected and replaced by sound ones.
And the only 'waste' left in the process of making an Oak framed structure - together with plenty of tea bags - keeps us warm during the colder days!
The beautiful raw material for an Oak framed building! We use only PEFC or FSC certified timber for our projects so that our work's impact on our environment is sustainable. For more information, please go to www.pefc.org or www.fsc-uk.org/en-uk.
Click on the image to enlarge
FRAME RAISING
The highlight of every timber frame creation...the raising of the structure on site!
The significant number of mostly large and heavy components for an entire Oak framed house requires that ample space around the building site is available, so that parts can be spread out prior to the arrival of a mobile crane. This ensures that timbers are accessible and ready to be craned into position without delay.
Large frame sections can be assembled on the ground and then lifted and guided into place with the help of a mobile crane, thus saving valuable time on site.
The result is a clean timber structure which over time will mellow to a golden honey colour internally and turn silver grey, where left exposed to the weather.
The significant number of mostly large and heavy components for an entire Oak framed house requires that ample space around the building site is available, so that parts can be spread out prior to the arrival of a mobile crane. This ensures that timbers are accessible and ready to be craned into position without delay.
Click on the image to enlarge
ABOUT US
We at Magna Oak design, handcraft and raise traditionally jointed 'Green' Oak and Douglas Fir framed structures of both vernacular and contemporary style for bespoke new houses and extensions, outbuildings, porches and other projects.
All our frames are designed and carefully crafted in our Somerset workshop, using mainly freshly sawn ('Green') European Oak and Douglas Fir, which we source without exception from PEFC or FSC certified and accredited sawmills.
We strive to create exciting and ecologically sustainable structures whilst combining time-proven skills of traditional craftsmanship with modern and efficient processes.
To date, we have supplied and raised structural frames locally around the cities of Bristol and Bath, for projects throughout the UK and as far afield as Switzerland, Germany and southern France.
Our personal approach to each project ensures continuity and good communication with our clients and guarantees flexibility at every stage from concept to completion.
We recommend to get in touch with us as soon as possible in the design process, so that we can assist you and your architect with the initial design concepts and help to explore some of the beautiful and varied features that a 'Green' Oak or Douglas Fir framed structure will contribute to your scheme.
Testimonials
The most rewarding part of our work is when we receive spontaneous feedback from our clients!
Ruth & Phil
Chew Valley, Bristol, Somerset
Awards
We are delighted to have contributed to a number of projects which have received the following industry recognition...
Bath & North East Somerset Building Quality Awards 2011 - Winner of 'Best Domestic Extension', Coombe House, Chew Valley, Somerset.
Bath & North East Somerset Building Quality Awards 2014 - Highly Commended for 'Best Domestic Extension', Farrs Cottage, Bath.