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 garden room 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 2024 - 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 reviewFantastic staff with fantastic craftsmanship. Great communication and always on the ball. I would highly recommend oak by design, I don’t think you could get a better quality oak porch anywhere. Extremely pleased with ours , always getting compliments from fellow villagers
When embarking on a large renovation project assembling the right team of skilled work people is vital. It involves the need for skill, imagination and trust. It was important to us to use a local company and Oak by Design seemed to tick the right boxes although we had not dealt with them or indeed heard of them before. We soon came to realise that the combination of Ben, Billy, Jamie, Matt and MIck ( listed strictly in alphabetical order ) was a great success. Skilled: highly, imaginative: an excellent creative talent, trustworthy: 100% but also such great team players that all the other trades on site benefitted from their cooperation and great good humour. I would endorse the other reviewers who have commented on the quality of the materials used, whether in the replacement windows, the light oak internal doors. the fantastic oak staircase, the secret bookcase and the pièce de résistance: the oak conservatory. It has been a great project and much of that I attribute to the work of Oak by Design. A big thank you to you all.
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
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.
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.
From the initial quotation right through to the delivery and after service Joanne has been brilliant and given me an excellent product. I have just ordered another porch for another project from them and I will continue to do so for future projects . Thomas and Bell Building Contractors Ltd
Fantastic service from start to finish, I would have no hesitation in recommending this company or using them again. Very professional and helpful. Joanne was great in assisting us with choosing both styles and colours of the beams and cladding.
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!
From the start of our enquiry, the service provided was excellent. Joanne was a great help and the oak porch structure looks fantastic on our new build. It completely changed the look of the house. Very quick delivery could not recommend enough.
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.
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.
On behalf of Shears PHG Our customer was looking at having an oak porch built for their property in the West Midlands we got in contact with Joanne at Oak by Design and she was really helpful, always friendly on the phone and polite nothing was too much trouble. Joanne kept us up to date through every stage and our customer is really pleased with the results of the Porch it looks great and we wouldn’t hesitate to use them again in the future
My client was looking for ways in which to make his conversion (of an early seventies house into a period family farmhouse) “stand out from the crowd”. whilst maintaining a commercial eye on his expenditure, as the house was being converted for resale profit. Making the choice to meet with Richard and explore possibilities for incorporating some Real solid Oak features into his plans proved to be the making of the project. By taking lots of advice from Richard on both the size and structure of the components we were able to incorporate three key features. The beautiful and bold roof trusses and purlins for the open plan kitchen are simply a joy to behold. The stunning full height gable window which is directly glazed into the large framework can be appreciated from both the the kerbside and of course from within the cosy snug on the ground floor or the amazing first floor main bedroom where we incorporated some additional exposed roof beams just purely for effect. All in all it is fair to say that these significant choices certainly created the wow factor my client was looking for. Having managed to pre sell the property well before completion it in itself demonstrates the benefits of keeping these sorts of real oak features as part of a modern build. I have no hesitation whatsoever is saying that if anyone is looking to get advice and is serious about investing in quality oak products they should have no need to look further than Oak by Design. Thanks again Richard for all your help , guidance and continued support which is a credit to you and the craftsmen you employ.
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.
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!
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.
A great company to deal with. Professional from start to finish and always there to assist with any queries. Highly recommended.
Four years ago we took the decision to completely gut an old farmhouse and start again with it, we started looking for a supplier of oak to refit all of the internal doors, door casings, skirting and flooring. Our carpenter recommended Oak By Design. He wasn't wrong! All of the oak has been completely top notch. As the old house has settled into it's new skin it has moved and cracked in various places, the only thing that has been stable and unwavering is the oak. The customer service has been superb, with them continuing to supply exactly the same items, with the same quality over the course of 4 years. They even indulged our designs for furniture for our "boot room", with Shoe pigeon holes and a bench which we could store wellies under (as pictured). The doors supplied by them are reassuringly heavy and sturdy, with a proper "thunk" as you close them, cutting off sound from the rest of the house. There may be other, cheaper suppliers of oak out there, but none with the same level of quality, longevity and customer service as Oak By Design. If you want to do it right (& once!) use these guys.
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 are ‘over the moon’ with our beautiful oak porch made by Oakbydesign .From our initial enquiry to delivery and installation the service and attention to detail has been outstanding! A very big thank you to Joanne who was so helpful and friendly from start to finish which made the whole process such a pleasure. Highly recommend anyone looking for an oak porch to choose Oakbydesign . Yvonne Grant.
Really delighted with the new porch by Oak by Design. It adds a super feature to my converted barn. Thanks to Joanne and the team.
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.
Great service from start to finish, Joanne was great help. Designs were spot on and so happy with the porch. 10/10. Fully recommend.
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.
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.
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.
A fabulous service and supportive through the design and delivery process. Highly recommended
A first rate service from start to finish. We've used this company in the past for our floor - 40 foot of solid oak! 2 beams and 2 RSJ covers. This time a beam for our new kitchen inglenook and another RSJ cover. More than impressed with the products which more than met our spec. A very friendly and helpful team who I'd recommend to anyone.
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.
Very impressed with Oak By Design. Customer service is fantastic and they were very patient in helping me ensure what I needed was the right size. Photos sent of oak cover before it was sent to me and end product was great. It was also not the most expensive either. Would definitely recommend.
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.
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
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.
Exceptional service and beautiful flooring. Absolutely delighted with every aspect. Went above and beyond great customer service to meet our needs and timescales.
We got a fantastic garden structure from Oak by Design. It is a very handsome building and the design process was very patient, to say the least. We didn’t really know what we wanted, so we had to be guided through it. And we are delighted.
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.
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
My wife and I recently purchased an oak porch from Oak By Design. We are delighted with the porch and it has been much admired. We did get some help assembling it but everything fitted together perfectly.
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.
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 !
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 extremely helpful at all stages of my project from helping and advising me to choose the most appropriate beam through to advice on fixing the beam. They were extremely patient with changes to my beam dimension requirements finally providing a solution to suit my project. They provided photographs on completion of the beam prior to dispatch to ensure that my requirements had been met. I was extremely impressed by the quality and finish of the beam which has become the focal point for my fireplace project. Oak by Design provided customer care of the highest quality and I would highly recommend their services.
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.
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.
Great company, always on the end of the phone to talk through design, measurements, fitting. The Oak is very high standard, looks amazing.