oakbydesign
01423 593 794
The satisfaction that comes from nurturing a project from bare earth to multi-million-pound showstopper can be hard to beat.
Oak By Design share their journey from design to completion with their clients and their £2.7m house in Yorkshire’s golden triangle. It was a process that took ten months.
Above all, they show how passion, expertise and attention to detail can make it a particularly rewarding experience for everyone involved.
The plot of land earmarked for development had been bought for £600,000. The intention was to demolish the existing farmhouse and therefore create space and replace it with a family home including an oak garden room. Oak By Design was recommended to the owners by a previous customer and by their architect. They recommended Oak By Design for their experience in high profile design and construction projects.
Teamwork:
Jamie Winspear immediately connected with the owner. Working with her and the architect, they developed final plans which were for a flexible family living space. This included an oak garden room, that would be as practical as it was elegant.
The client said. “As soon as I met Jamie Winspear of Oak By Design, I knew I could get on with him. I loved his ideas from the start. We were on the same wavelength from day one and that has made all the difference.”
It was important for Oak By Design that they got to know the people who would be living in this beautiful property. After that, the clients main brief was to create a home they would enjoy. It would one that would fit seamlessly into their lifestyle, making the most of its breath taking location, overlooking open countryside on the outskirts of Harrogate.
Strong working relationships were established between Oak By Design, the architect, the builder and the client. During the master planning stage the teams were able to make excellent progress as soon as work began on site.
During initial ground works the team discovered an ancient well directly beneath the planned living room. However, what could have been an inconvenience, became an opportunity. With a little creativity they made a feature of it, by designing it into the floor, overlaying it with glass and framing it with a circular oak rim.
The clients were passionate about avoiding a show house feel. They didn’t want guests to feel too scared to put a cup down for fear of damaging something. The warmth of oak runs throughout the property, softening the minimal interior styling and giving the whole place a welcoming sense of homeliness.
As work progressed to the second phase they drew on past experience gained during a £5m new build project & the rebuilding of Allerton Castle
They suggested the use of metal grid tracks instead of timber batons for the ceilings to give a millimetre perfect finish. This meant ensuring floor levels were exact so they worked in connection with the external bi-fold doors finishing flush and leaving a seamless joint when walking from inside to the outdoors.
The oak sunroom is a key feature of the ground floor living space. Connecting the spacious open plan kitchen with the garden alongside the adjoining countryside. It forms the cornerstone of the design and is integral to the client’s love of entertaining.
The huge floor-to-ceiling bi-folds create a minimal barrier between outside and in. These can be swept back on mild days to fully unite the house with its stunning surroundings.
Throughout the house, careful thought has been given to the home’s unique location. Therefore, downstairs, tall handcrafted sliding sash windows and oak garden room echoed the traditional building style. This is typical in this part of Yorkshire, flooding the rooms with natural light.
Comments:
“What I appreciated most as work got underway was the problem-solving approach taken by Oak By Design. They used their experience when designs could be done better and whenever we hit a stumbling block they came up with a creative solution.”
Windows:
Upstairs, classic horizontal sliding Yorkshire sash windows frame the view on every side of the property. The windows were handmade and pre-finished in Farrow and Ball paint before being brought on site for fitting.
The painted windows are complemented by elegantly styled, hand painted internal reveals giving a further feel for quality and attention to detail.
Dramatic oak features, structural glazing and the oak garden room characterise the internal styling of this luxurious property. Together, they allow for a smooth flow between living spaces. One of the most striking examples of this is in the entrance vestibule where a spectacular glazed oak internal doorway was installed.
In addition, an oak and glass Minstrel’s Gallery overlooks the hallway below, connecting the upper and lower living areas and adding a sense of spaciousness. Spindles have been swapped for glass on the upper oak staircase therefore adding a minimalist finish.
The new design had a number of adjustments to the original design. Therefore, some features were to enhance the aesthetics and others to overcome particular challenges.
Initially, the main kitchen and central hallway were to be one open space. Due to fire regulations another option was to add an internal wall and door to enclose the kitchen completely. The solution would still give the client the open plan look she had been so keen to achieve.
Oak By Design suggested full height oak bi-folding doors, which means they could maintain the feeling of size and space whilst also fulfilling building regulations. This also acted as an effective noise barrier between the kitchen and the rest of the house during entertaining.
Rather than plastering over a steel support in the bedroom Oak By Design created a bespoke oak cladding. This cleverly transforms it into a feature oak truss that adds character to the room.
Outside Kitchen:
With the house almost complete, the building of a fully enclosed oak framed outdoor kitchen and dining area began. The room creates an outdoor eating area with floor to ceiling bi-folding doors. This stretching across the entire frontage of the building. Guests can linger over their drinks at the classic Oak refectory style table long after the sun has gone down.
The outdoor room incorporates a wood-fired pizza oven, food preparation area and fridge for keeping food and drink chilled.
The bespoke oak porch to the rear of the property really enhances the character of the house.
It continues the warm homely touches such as the Oak stable door, log store and boot rack, leaving a stunning end result.
To conclude…..“In just ten months we had transformed a bare piece of land into a luxury property. We have a comfortable home that will be just perfect for everyday family life and memorable gatherings.”
“I can’t thank Oak By Design enough for their support, professionalism and attention to detail. This was a very personal journey for our family and Jamie and his team have become great friends. I have no hesitation in recommending Oak By Design to anyone who appreciates working with people who have exceptionally high standards and really care about the results.”
Oak conservatories have become increasingly popular in modern architecture due to their unique combination of elegance and functionality. The use of oak as a building material brings numerous benefits that contribute to the overall appeal and durability of these structures.
One key advantage is the aesthetic appeal that oak conservatories offer. The rich, warm tones and natural grain patterns of oak create a timeless charm that adds a touch of sophistication to any property. This classic elegance effortlessly complements both traditional and contemporary architectural styles, making oak conservatories a versatile choice for homeowners.
In addition to its visual appeal, oak is also an incredibly durable material. It possesses high levels of strength and resilience, allowing it to withstand harsh weather conditions and resist decay. This longevity ensures that oak conservatories can provide lasting enjoyment for decades without significant maintenance or repair requirements.
Furthermore, oak has excellent insulating properties, which contributes to energy efficiency within the conservatory. By minimizing heat loss during colder months and reducing solar gain in warmer seasons, oak helps regulate temperature inside the structure while reducing reliance on artificial heating or cooling systems.
The versatility, durability, and energy efficiency offered by oak conservatories make them an ideal addition to modern architecture. Their ability to seamlessly blend with different design styles enhances the overall aesthetics of any property while providing long-term value for homeowners.
Green oak and air-dried oak are two distinct types of timber that differ in their characteristics. Understanding these differences is crucial for anyone involved in the construction or woodworking industry.
When comparing green oak to air-dried oak, one can draw an analogy with the concept of ageing wine. Just as wine needs time to mature and develop its unique flavors, green oak requires a seasoning process to achieve optimal quality.
During the seasoning process, green oak gradually loses moisture content through natural drying methods. This reduction in moisture not only improves the stability of the wood but also prevents excessive movement and shrinkage over time. It is comparable to how ageing wine develops complexity while maintaining stability.
On the other hand, air-dried oak undergoes a different drying method. Once cut into sizeable timber pieces, it is left outside to dry naturally over an extended period. The exposure to open air allows for gradual moisture loss through evaporation, resulting in lower moisture content compared to green oak.
The metaphorical comparison between green oak and aging wine helps illustrate how both processes require patience and time for desirable outcomes. Just as aged wine showcases its refined qualities after years of maturing, air-dried oak represents a stable and reliable material due to its prolonged seasoning period.
In summary, understanding the distinction between green oak and air-dried oak is essential when choosing timber for construction purposes. Whether opting for freshly felled or naturally dried wood, each has its advantages based on specific project requirements and desired characteristics.
Double glazing, like a masterfully constructed sandwich, offers numerous advantages to building construction. With its two panes of glass separated by a spacer bar and filled with an insulating gas, the double glazed sealed unit (DGU) acts as a formidable shield against the elements.
One key benefit of double glazing lies in its thermal insulation properties. Just as a well-insulated fortress retains its warmth while repelling cold invaders, double glazing efficiently traps heat within a room while preventing chilly drafts from infiltrating from the outside. This not only enhances comfort but also makes buildings more energy-efficient.
In addition to its exceptional thermal capabilities, double glazing provides sound insulation akin to a virtuoso performance by an acoustical maestro. By effectively reducing noise transmission through windows, it creates an oasis of calm amidst the cacophony of urban life. From bustling city streets to roaring traffic, the intrusive sounds that assail our ears are muted and transformed into mere whispers.
Furthermore, double glazing serves as an impregnable barrier against unwanted intruders. Like an impenetrable fortress wall guarding precious treasures inside, this window configuration deters potential burglars with its enhanced strength and security features. It acts as a visual deterrent while providing formidable resistance against forced entry attempts.
Moreover, double glazing exhibits remarkable durability and longevity reminiscent of ancient architectural marvels standing tall through centuries. Its robust construction withstands weathering forces such as wind and rain with grace and resilience. By resisting damage caused by external factors over time, it ensures that buildings maintain their structural integrity for years to come.
Overall, incorporating double glazing into building construction is a testament to wise foresight and meticulous attention to detail. Its multifaceted benefits encompass thermal insulation, sound reduction, enhanced security measures, and long-lasting durability—making it an indispensable component for any modern structure aspiring for excellence.
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
Left us a star review
I was sourcing an oak RSJ cover (circa 5m length) for my extension and found Oak by Design on the internet. All of the reviews I could were glowing and so I contacted them......And I'm so glad that I did. Joanne Fisher answered my initial call and she looked after my order from beginning to end - in terms of ensuring that I got exactly what I wanted she/they provided a superb service - everything on time - delivery in to the Peak District to suit when I wanted. The quality of the the RSJ cover is fantastic thick solid oak that matches my oak floor - looks amazing. If you want anything oak I can thoroughly recommend Oak By Design.
I firstly used oak by design a couple of years ago for an open oak porch. They were extremely helpful and everything was delivered on time to the highest quality. The porch went together with the oak dowels provided and looked great when it was all slated in. They have also supplied me with a oak beam for a fireplace natural random finish and it looks good.
Ordered an oak mantle beam from Oak by Design and they quickly called to check the finer details. Unfortunatly, the beam was slightly damaged on arrival by the courier company. Oak by Design immediately arranged to have it picked by DHL, transferred back to Yorkshire from Kent, repaired and sent back within 2 days, with no quibbles. The beam is beautiful, as is the high quality customer service by these people. Fully recommend using this company. Anthony Slater, Tonbridge. Tonbridge.
Amazing craftsmanship from this company. The customer service from Joanne was superb. My questions and indecisiveness were never an issue and she was always on hand to offer advice and find the answers to my questions. Our oak porch has transformed the house and we are over thd moon with it. Would highly recommend Oak By Design. Joanne is an asset to the sales and promotion of this company and is very knowledgeable. Would give 10 stars if I could!
We have been impressed from the first contact with Oak By Design, first class customer service and the product speaks for itself. We found it straight forward to install and the support was always there if we needed it. Brilliant, we could not recommend enough and will use them again.
Found Oak by Design searching for a new front porch to replace a canopy and knew immediately that this was company for the job and I was not disappointed. I already knew what I wanted and Richard, very patiently, developed my basic requirements, with a number of iterations, into a full detailed design. As I live outside their site working area I decided go for supply only and to install the porch myself. It was delivered as promised and it looked great even on the pallet! It took me a while to fit but it was very satisfying and the result is fantastic. The quality of the aged oak and carpentry of the timbers is excellent. I’m delighted with the porch supplied by Oak by Design - it looks superb.
Thank you Oak by Design for my gorgeous… Thank you Oak by Design for my gorgeous oak porch. From my first contact with your company and speaking with Amanda the service has been first class. The quality of the oak and the design of the porch was just what I wanted. Manufacture and delivery were well communicated and delivered to site for our builder on time and to fit in with the building works. Your finishing touches and added extras made our porch very unique to our home. I have had lots of compliments on the enhanced look it has made to our property and our builder is full of praise about the quality and the ease of construction on-site. Thank you so much Amanda & all the team at Oak by design.
A fabulous service and supportive through the design and delivery process. Highly recommended
We were delighted with our new porch. Right from our initial contact with Joanne at ObD, through the design and the installation by Jack and his team the service has been excellent. We would have no hesitation in recommending ObD and Jack to anyone thinking of a high quality oak porch. Thank you to all involved.
As the owner of a local joinery business, Robert Davis Joinery, I have had the pleasure of using Oak by Design on several occasions over the last 8 years. They have produced bespoke interior products for me including Oak doors and timber moldings. The staff in the office and the workshop are always very helpful and friendly and the standard of the workmanship and materials are always of a very high quality.
Fantastic service and quality of product. I couldn’t be happier with my Oak porch, which was designed to my specification with the minimum of fuss. Joanne was so helpful and nothing was too much trouble. Incredibly well engineered and looks fantastic. Thank you so much.
We were looking to have a bespoke oak and glass atrium for the front of our new house renovation. We wanted to find a company we trusted, who clearly understood our brief and could manufacture and install a high quality product at a competitive price. A big ask, but OakByDesign ticked all our boxes. Jamie and the team from the initial discovery meeting to completion of the installation were fantastic. The design, material quality and installation were first class and I would highly recommend you to include them within your project plans. Thank you all. Ben and Lindsay.
From start to finish Oak By Design have been incredible, nothing was too much trouble. Our new Oak doors are beautifully made and have really been the icing on the cake to finish our house renovations off. We have also had a fabulous outdoor oak structure with heating and we are very much looking forward to making the most of it in the months ahead. Thank you to the whole team I would throughly recommend.
Posting on behalf of my Mother in Law, Shirley Abbott "Having planned to shop around, Oak By Design was my first stop. I had no need to look any further. Joanne patiently and professionally guiding me through the confusion of choosing the right flooring. The service and support from the staff was exceptional, efficient and helpful. And - my floor looks amazing!"
Oak by Design have made 2 oak framed rooms for us, sunroom at the front and and "moonroom" (photo) at the back which encompasses a shower room, work area and storage. They have been helpful at every stage and the outcome is simply brilliant. They make the whole house feel roomier and brighter and are beautiful places to be. GE North Yorkshire
Excellent customer service. Very friendly. Explained in detail. Product is beautiful. Would recommend. Company sent photos of finished product prior to dispatch to confirm our happiness with their work.
Thank you Jo for your assistance and detailed guide every step of the way with my new porch. Very pleased with the finished product, I would highly recommend Jack and his team for installation
We purchased some engineered oak flooring and oak covers from Oak By Design and couldn't be happier with the finish and quality. They are spot on. Joanne was extremely helpful throughout the whole process and provided plenty of advice when necessary. Thank you
Found this company by accident whilst passing through Harrogate, but well worth a visit.Great products choice with helpful friendly service. The wooden flooring and beams look great in situ and we are very pleased with the transformed room. Would recommend and use again.
From the beginning the customer service has been superb, excellent help and advice when choosing the flooring, delivery arriving when promised and a product which is extremely high quality. We have replaced the majority of our flooring downstairs and we are so pleased with the result that we would have paid more. Fantastic.
Amazing customer service from beginning to end . My builder was in awe at the quality of the oak porch components. Call them and ask for Joanne - what she doesn’t know isn’t worth knowing! It’s not every day you invest in a “proper” porch so do it right. You’ll definitely be delighted!
We decided to get an oak porch to make our home more attractive and we are so glad we did as it really is beautiful ! Joanne and the Team have been professional, friendly and just a pleasure to deal with ! Thank you so much !!
My company has ordered 2 porches with Joanne from oak by design, and have more planned in the future. They've been brilliant from start to finnish. Great communication right through. And the quality of the product is exceptional. Do not hesitate to order.
From the moment we visited the Oak Design showroom, we knew that we were dealing with a top quality local company. Richard the owner, showed us around his design works with real pride of his product and service offering. Jamie as sales executive has discussed and agreed the options & design with costs to us and we have now implemented the first phase of our home improvement, with more work to follow. We are highly delighted with the finished product and would strongly recommend Oak Design to other interested clients. I also suggest that you pay them a personal visit at the Home Building & Renovation exhibition in Harrogate, as well as their wonderful showroom of Oak Solutions in Tockwith to get a personal guided tour.
On behalf of John Docherty: Oak By Design were a great company to deal with; helpful, knowledgeable, professional. The quality of the oak supplied to us for our bespoke porch was first class. Nothing was too much trouble for this company, and we will definitely be using this wonderful company again in 2022.
Exceptional service and beautiful flooring. Absolutely delighted with every aspect. Went above and beyond great customer service to meet our needs and timescales.
We ordered two bespoke doors and two bespoke porches for our house build from Joanne at OByD. We were specifically delighted with Joanne's attention to detail (and patience! lol) making the overall customer experience excellent. The product was equally fantastic, the product quality was truly beyond our expectations. Joanne is super helpful and knowledgeable, and kept my spirits up throughout our project. We would 100% recommend OByD, and specifically Joanne, for all your standard and bespoke oak requirements. H&D
Great service by a friendly professional team, a pleasure to work with. The end result of our oak glazed leisure spa and outdoor kitchen looks fantastic. Great job
Spectacular service from start to finish! great design work and support from concept to installation. The builders were amazing! So pleased with the outcome! Thankyou so so much !
Superb! Fantastic! I can’t recommend enough. If you want gorgeous oak use this company. Oak by design made a porch for us and we couldn’t be more happier with it! It’s beautiful! The quality is first rate. Throughout the build Jo kept us informed as to the process of having the oak cut to size and installed. Jo and the team even sent us a lovely oak chopping board! Jack and his team who built it are fabulous! They go the extra mile. We have decided to use oak by design for a kitchen extension project in the future. Thank you oak by design for giving me a gorgeous porch! Charlie x
We can thoroughly recommend Oak by Design. Not only did they provide the best of oak floors and oak staircase to suit our new, contemporary home, but they returned to make good a problem which was not their fault. Going the extra mile separates great companies from ordinary firms. Thank you Jamie & Billy. From Mike & Barbara, York.
We worked with Jamie from Oak By Design on a super project near Wetherby. There was plenty of oak in this design for the team to really show their worth - and they did. The attention to detail was excellent. If anything was not quite how the client wanted it, they were straight back to attend to this. The customer care was superb. We look forward to working with Oak By Design on another project soon.
Excellent quality workmanship and materials. Very easy and friendly to deal with on the phone. Everything done on time and no problems at all. Will definitely use again next time I need an oak porch or any other oak structures.
We worked with the team who designed a wonderful porch for our house near Harrogate. It has been an amazing addition. Simple but effective - excellent craftsmanship using authentic materials. We are absolutely delighted with the transformation and everyone who sees the porch says how great it looks. Thanks to all the team at Oak By Design.
A great company to deal with. Professional from start to finish and always there to assist with any queries. Highly recommended.
What can I say, Oak By Design have been the most fantastic company to deal with. Joanne was so helpful, friendly and professional. She really seemed to care about our project, which made such a difference. We had 4 oak RSJ covers made and 2 fireplace mantles. The finish is outstanding. Everyone believes they are solid beams, which was just what we wanted. The care and attention this company will give you is 2nd to none and I would highly recommend them. Pictures will follow when we complete our project, thanks again Oak By Design. x
This is the second time that we have used Oak By Design for oak products and once again we weren’t disappointed. We recently ordered some internal oak doors and from the very start they were a pleasure to deal with. Joanne especially was extremely helpful and friendly, nothing was too much trouble. We were kept updated about the progress of our order. Unfortunately we needed to delay acceptance of the doors for a few weeks and Oak By Design happily agreed to store them in their workshop until we were ready for them. The quality of the doors is very high, they are very well made and finished, far better than any oak doors that you will buy “ off the shelf. “ They are all installed now and look fantastic. I would highly recommend Oak By Design and we will certainly use them again in the future if we require any more oak products. A huge thank you to Joanne and the whole team for a great service and a great product.
I could not recommend Oak By Design more highly. Joanne and the team worked tirelessly to resolve an issue that was the result of my mistake when I ordered the porch. Great customer service.
Oak by design provided our engineered oak flooring. From our initial meeting and supply of samples to the final delivery we have been provided with excellent service. Carl has been in touch throughout the process and provided updates about the lead time and expected delivery dates. We are delighted with the flooring. Very happy to recommend Oak by design.
Oak by design were a fantastic company to deal with. They made us some treads for a bespoke stair case from large pieces of air dried oak. They were very thorough in making sure that they understood exactly what we wanted. They made excellent suggestions for small changes to our own design in order to produce a better finished product and to manage the cost. We were very happy with the treads when they were delivered. They look fantastic and fitted perfectly to the steel frame which was made by a third party. I could not recommend them more highly.
First class service and product . Our car port and steps look fantastic and blends in with the existing buildings beautifully. Would definitely recommend them.
Great company, always on the end of the phone to talk through design, measurements, fitting. The Oak is very high standard, looks amazing.
Having lived with our porch for over 2 years I can honestly say it’s the best addition to our house we ever made. Not only does it look fantastic the quality is outstanding. I love that it keeps the mud out of the hall and provides a seating area to remove muddy boots.
