The Homebuilding and Renovation Show in Harrogate was where Oak By Design were approached to undertake this amazing project. Their clients were completing the groundwork for a forthcoming renovation of their farmhouse on the outskirts of York.
The main feature was to be an oak orangery as well as a full-length extension of the farmhouse. The oak building involved creating a new Kitchen/Diner, Utility, Boot Room, Games Room and Snug. There was also to be a new oak porch and a covered walkway together with a totally new landscaped garden design to complement the farmhouse.
Joanne and Tony Parascandolo, directors of A & J Architects based in Wetherby were involved in the project from the start. They are good friends of Oak By Design’s Jamie Winspear and they created a fantastic design, using both traditional and contemporary features. Working with like-minded people is always a pleasure!
In Oak By Designs opinion the oak orangery design had a warm, family feel with hints of crisp modern twists.
The couple visited Oak By Design’s showroom where they were given a tour of the workshop with Darren Richards, the workshop manager. They were impressed in seeing first-hand the standard of their works and to get a feel for their forthcoming project.
The installation of the oak buildings commenced at the beginning of September.
The Oak By Design team installed the oak buildings of an oak orangery, oak frames, oak porch and more. Furthermore, lead work, glazing and roof lanterns completed the project. They also worked alongside their client’s builder to ensure the project was seamless.
The oak building took shape with the large oak glazed openings pouring light into the rooms, creating floor to ceiling views across the newly landscaped gardens.
The extension comprises several different roof designs, all fitting into each other. The steeper pitch to the centre of the extension breaks the line of the extension tying it into the existing farmhouse whilst complementing the lower contemporary styled mono pitch roofs.
Oak By Design also admired the way the roof lanterns sunk into the parapet roof behind the mono-pitch roofs. This meant that the lanterns didn’t dominate the roof detail as they can do on certain oak framed extensions.
The existing staircase was expertly clad in oak, and glass balustrades replaced the existing spindles. This created a more contemporary look, which was then in keeping with the new extensions. To continue the new contemporary oak theme, new internal doors were made and installed, giving a clean, modern, cohesive look throughout.
The clients said…
“The finished project has far exceeded our expectations, we’re over the moon with our ‘new’ home. Projects of this size can be challenging, but Jamie Winspear and the Oak By Design team worked hard from day one. They not only produce a high-quality oak building but also ensured their works tied in with all other trades. We could not recommend them highly enough”.
Oak conservatories offer a myriad of benefits that make them a popular choice among homeowners seeking to enhance their living spaces. The timeless allure and natural beauty of oak, combined with its remarkable durability, create an atmosphere that is both inviting and refined.
One advantage of oak conservatories is their ability to seamlessly integrate with the surrounding environment. The use of this exquisite material allows for the creation of harmonious spaces that blend effortlessly into any landscape. The rich, warm tones and distinctive grain patterns evoke a sense of tranquility, making oak conservatories the perfect retreat for relaxation and contemplation.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, oak conservatories are renowned for their longevity. Oak is known for its resilience and strength, ensuring that these structures will endure for generations to come. This inherent durability also reduces maintenance requirements, making oak conservatories a cost-effective investment in the long run.
Furthermore, oak conservatories provide excellent thermal insulation. The natural properties of oak allow it to retain heat during colder months while keeping the interior cool in summer. This energy efficiency not only creates a comfortable living environment but also helps reduce heating and cooling costs.
Lastly, oak conservatories have a timeless charm that adds significant value to any property. Their classic design transcends passing trends, ensuring enduring elegance throughout the years.
In conclusion, oak conservatories offer numerous advantages including seamless integration with the surroundings, exceptional durability, superior thermal insulation, and timeless charm. These features make them an ideal choice for homeowners seeking to create sophisticated and captivating living spaces that stand the test of time.
Air-dried oak, a type of timber that undergoes a natural drying process, offers notable advantages in construction projects. This article aims to highlight the benefits of using air-dried oak and its superiority over green oak, particularly in terms of stability and reduced risk of movement and shrinkage.
One anecdote vividly illustrates the stability offered by air-dried oak. Imagine constructing two identical wooden benches, one made from green oak and the other from air-dried oak. As time passes, seasonal changes introduce fluctuations in humidity levels. The green oak bench absorbs moisture during humid periods, causing it to swell and potentially warp or crack. In contrast, the air-dried oak bench remains relatively unaffected due to its lower moisture content. This highlights how air-drying reduces the risk of movement and instability associated with green oak.
Research indicates that green oak typically has a moisture content ranging from 60% to 80%, while air-dried oak boasts significantly lower levels due to natural drying processes over several years. On average, air circulation aids in reducing the moisture content by approximately 25mm per year for exterior timbers.
In conclusion, when considering timber options for construction projects, it is crucial to recognize the superiority of air-dried oak over green oak regarding stability and reduced risk of movement or shrinkage. The anecdote presented above serves as a clear metaphor for understanding this distinction visually. Moreover, data points reinforce these observations by highlighting significant differences in moisture content between these two types of timber. By choosing air-dried oak, builders can ensure long-lasting structures that resist warping or cracking caused by environmental fluctuations and maintain their structural integrity for years to come.
Double glazing, a window construction technique featuring two panes of glass separated by an insulating air gap, offers numerous advantages for buildings. This article aims to explore the benefits of double glazing in terms of thermal insulation and energy efficiency.
The primary advantage of double glazing lies in its ability to provide enhanced thermal insulation. By incorporating two sheets of glass with a spacer bar filled with insulating gas between them, double glazed sealed units (DGUs) effectively reduce heat transfer through windows. This configuration acts as a barrier, preventing heat from escaping the room while inhibiting the infiltration of cold air from outside.
The use of this innovative window design allows buildings to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures regardless of external weather conditions. During colder seasons, double glazing minimizes heat loss through windows, reducing the need for excessive heating and ultimately lowering energy consumption. Consequently, this contributes to enhanced energy efficiency within buildings.
Moreover, double glazed windows also offer substantial sound insulation properties. The additional layer created by the second pane significantly reduces noise transmission from outdoor sources into interior spaces. This feature is particularly beneficial for urban areas or locations near busy roads where noise pollution can adversely impact occupant comfort and well-being.
In summary, the utilisation of double glazing in building construction provides significant advantages such as improved thermal insulation and reduced noise transmission. These features play a crucial role in creating energy-efficient environments while ensuring optimal comfort for occupants throughout the year.
Telephone: 01423 593 794
Locksley Park
Blind Lane
Tockwith
YORK YO26 7QJ
Opening Times:
Mon to Fri - 9.00am to 5.00pm
Bank Holidays - Closed
Christmas 2025- TBC
Oak By Design is the trading name of:
Oak By Design Ltd.
Reg Number: 04384416
VAT Number: 664 8012 33