Bringing in the light

The location of one of Yorkshire Oak Frames’ more recently completed projects is very appropriate: a home in a former saw mill on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.

Addingham Saw Mill was established in the 1860s by local chair maker, William Brear, in what had previously operated as Fentiman’s textile mill. Under a succession of owners it continued to cut and shape timber until 2001, after which the building and adjoining cottages were converted into modern residential properties.

The front elevation of this row of houses faces south, leaving the rear aspect to receive less light. Compounding this issue, the property on which Yorkshire Oak Frames were commissioned to build their frame had only one ground floor window facing on to the garden, resulting in a dark living room.

“Fortunately, there was planning permission for a stone-built extension on the rear of the property however the client was receptive to alternative approaches to the design whilst working within the permissions,” says director Adam Walker.

“Together, we were able to agree a garden room design which would receive much more light in its own right and also help brighten the living room.”

The solution chosen by Yorkshire Oak Frames, in consultation with homeowners Marie and Henry, was a classic garden room extending the width of the property, with full-height, full-width glazing to two sides and incorporating French doors.

Structurally, the frame is of relatively simple design and construction, with the quality of the timber and finish being the principal points of visual interest.

The room has a flat roof incorporating a large central lantern and an opening light which is fitted with a rain sensor and automatic closing mechanism.

There is a practical as well as aesthetic reason for the roof and lantern combination, as Adam explains.

“This is the ideal application where there are first-floor windows, which would not allow for the more usual pitched roof,” he says.

“It also allows for a higher ceiling, emphasising the sense of spaciousness already created by the glazed walls.”

To maximise the amount of light reaching the existing living room, glazed double doors were installed and the former outside window was retained and updated with a style of frame which, again, allows more light.

The clients said: “We are so delighted with how the project turned out. The garden room has brought so much more light into the lounge and connected it with the garden, which is absolutely what we were aiming for. It is a wonderful, bright and airy space for relaxing and we are so enjoying using it, both for relaxing and home working. We love the opening roof lantern which helps to ventilate the space and floods it with light.”

Based at Sicklinghall, in the lower Wharfe valley near Wetherby, Yorkshire Oak Frames is the region’s leading oak frame and structural carpentry business.

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

■ www.yorkshireoakframes.co.uk

■ Telephone: 01423 209035.

A dark room was made light and extra space created with a garden room

Yorkshire Oak Frames is the region’s leading oak frame and structural carpentry business…