Building on tradition

The workshop at Yorkshire Oak Frames is a place of contrasts: a hive of activity where the most traditional materials and methods of construction are employed in a process which has created stunning and innovative timber-framed buildings.

This has been so since director Adam Walker established the business in 2008, building on his prior experience working in forestry and timber management which gave him an instinctive understanding of the qualities and potential of wood – and specifically the English oak in which the company specialises.

“It has been a process of organic growth since then,” says Adam. “Taking on bigger projects, recruiting more staff but never losing sight of our principles or compromising on quality.”

One way in which that quality is maintained is through Yorkshire Oak Frames having its own sawmill, so there is no need to rely on timber supplied by third parties. “This allows us to dictate the quality of our work by being in charge from the tree through to the final installation,” says Adam.

“Because much of our work includes glazing, including many full-height panels, it is crucial that everything is precisely cut and assembled.”

There company now employs 10 people, based around a workshop team and an installation team. Many, like Adam, have a background in timber which, he believes, gives them a feel for working with it.

“All staff are trained in-house, starting as apprentices,” says Adam. “This approach allows them to grow into our ethos as well as providing all the necessary skills.

“By the end of the process, which takes between three and five years, they have both the ability and confidence to take charge of a project themselves.”

Giving responsibility and autonomy to members of staff is an important aspect of the Yorkshire Oak Frames ethos, allowing them the freedom to make the most of their abilities and, just as crucially, contributing to a job satisfaction which has led to 100 per cent staff retention.

“It is a very tight team,” says Adam. They enjoy coming to do their job each morning and they socialise both in and out of work.”

While the processes in the workshop remain constant, one change Adam has noticed in the past 12 years is that clients are increasingly well-informed about what they want. Working collaboratively is now the name of the game, liaising constantly with clients, valuing their input and achieving the optimum outcome.

Finally, Adam is an enthusiastic advocate of the eco-credentials of green oak. “As well as sequestering and locking up atmospheric carbon for the lifetime of the building, the production process from felling to final structure releases much less CO2 than other building methods.”

All oak used by the company is sourced from FSC or PEFC-certified woodlands.

Time-served methods create contemporary spaces at Yorkshire Oak Frames

■ Carlshead Farms, Paddock House Lane, Sicklinghall, Wetherby LS22 4BJ.

■ Telephone: 01423 209035.

■ Web: www.yorkshireoakframes. co.uk

All staff are trained in-house, starting as apprentices … it is a very hands-on approach