A two-time, award-winning oak frame home in Scotland
In 2016, the Oakwrights Scottish team, managed by Iain Hendry, were approached by a family in Fife who had a unique oak frame vision they wanted to bring to life. The family purchased a plot of land in a countryside setting that had planning permission attached. The shape of the site was long, tapered and had limited views, so, they worked with Oakwrights’ Regional Architectural Designers, Thomson Hunter Architects, to carefully consider the orientation and design of their new home.
It was important for the clients that the layout of the build flowed naturally and exuded personality. They also wanted to combine traditional Scottish building styles with modern features that would be suitable and functional for day-to-day family life.
The final design of this open plan, fourbedroom oak frame home incorporates two wings with a turret, which houses the master bedroom’s unique en-suite circular bathroom. Internally, natural light is welcomed in and a sense of space is commanded by the post-andbeam oak frame that carves out the vaulted ceilings in the double-height living areas and the upper floor. Externally, the frame design has created an array of porches, and a further living area can be found above their new oak frame garage, also designed by Oakwrights.
The frame of this home was built using green oak; a sustainable and versatile construction material. The family opted to insulate their structure with Oakwrights’ WrightWall and -Roof encapsulation system, which was prefabricated in Oakwrights’ workshops, alongside their oak frame, to create a home that is extremely energy efficient and airtight. To remain in-keeping with the local vernacular, Oakwrights’ team worked with the family to choose local materials, such as natural stone for the external wall finish and the intricate detailing that defines the window areas around the property.
Project managed from start to finish by Iain and his team, this oak frame home, named Carmichael Lodge, was the worthy winner of both the 2019 ‘Best Individual New Build and Small Development’ category at The Herald Property Awards, and the 2019 ‘Best Traditional-style Self Build’ category at The Daily Telegraph Homebuilding & Renovating Home of the Year Awards. This is a fantastic achievement for the homeowners and Oakwrights.