Small but beautiful

Even a modestly sized structure can attract attention with the right design

Oak has a long history as the timber of choice for builders and thus is the perfect complement to the materials and architectural styles used in traditional buildings of all sizes.

This attribute is exhibited to perfection by a modest yet very attractive project Yorkshire Oak Frames undertook on a 19th century local gritstone-built house at Stainburn, a small village midway between Harrogate and Otley.

As part of a comprehensive renovation being carried out on the property, the architects proposed an oak frame garden room to replace a somewhat incongruous timber conservatory.

Although the size and location of the project resulted in some practical limitations, the garden room and wider renovation adds greatly to the internal layout and appearance of the house.

The gable-ended structure comprises an oak frame to two sides with a feature king post truss and purlins spanning the roof. Full-height glazing and a door to the adjoining patio give uninterrupted views and easy access to the garden, while the roof is finished with stone slates to match the rest of the property.

Reflecting on a project which came about via the architects for the renovation, Yorkshire Oak Frames director Adam Walker says: “Our present workload is probably a 50-50 split between commissions from architects and clients who come to us directly.

“However, more recently we are finding an increasing proportion of customers approaching us themselves and asking us to lead on the design, especially if it is a standalone project rather than part of a wider job.”

This has the advantage that Adam can provide the client with an initial design which will be closely matched by the end result, whereas on occasion an outline drafted by an architect needs to be modified to take account of the practicalities of materials and construction techniques.

However, partnerships with architects remain fundamental to Yorkshire Oak Frames’ business and the company will often put clients in touch with local architects to take their project through the planning process.

Based in the lower Wharfe valley, Yorkshire Oak Frames is the region’s leading oak frame and structural carpentry business, with a prestigious reputation built up over more than a decade of creating bespoke buildings.

The farm headquarters is home to a team of locally-based craftspeople from an eclectic range of backgrounds. “People have come to us from architectural engineering, forestry, sales and marketing as well as, of course, carpentry,” says Adam.

“Despite their varying backgrounds, it is a very close-knit team, united by a passion for what they create.”

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.