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
