oakbydesign
01423 593 794
In May, client Justin decided to have an oak porch installed on his beautiful 18th Century Farmhouse in Oxfordshire.
After much planning between himself and Joanne, at Oak By Design, the porch was finished. Complete with an owl engraving, (in memory of his Godmother) the beautiful porch was sent down to his home, where his builder, Ben Tolson, installed it.
The Case Study for this is here
He had no sooner had the porch installed and finished when he announced a glazed oak sunroom was the next item on the house’s requirement list!
The plan was to build the oak sunroom at the back of the house, out from the kitchen, the views across the surrounding countryside making it the perfect spot.
The plan was to re-use the existing bi-fold doors that were already in the kitchen. Justin had been researching and referenced the lantern roof of a previous project Oak By Design had completed.
Initially the plan was to have the room approx. 5.5m x 4.5m. Joanne’s colleague Jamie came up with some initial ideas, based on Justin’s requirements and they were sent to him for perusal.
Their plan was to use the room for relaxing and watching TV so the room needed to accommodate an L-shaped sofa, coffee table, chair and the tv. After discussing with partner Jon, they decided on fully glazed with a lantern roof.
Joanne arranged a quotation and Justin spoke to Ben and they made the decision to get the oak sunroom ordered in August. The intention was to have the sunroom ready in October.
They did, however, request that Jamie make a site visit, prior to manufacturing and he visited at the beginning of September. The finer details such as the roof pitch (37°) and the lantern design being confirmed at this time.
A few weeks later, after some discussions with their local planning office, the size of the building needed reducing slightly. After re measuring they decided to amend the depth of the building from 4.5metres to 4 metres and the Planning Department were happy!
Justin and Jon then managed to get away to a Greek Island for some much needed sun. There they planned the rest of the build and how they would furnish their new room. Joanne, meanwhile, holidayed in Northumberland, with café and pub recommendations from Northumbrian born Justin!
The building was finally ready in October and just prior to sending out, Justin asked for some engraving on one of the external oak fascia’s. All the external oak was finished with Osmo Poly UV Oil in 420 colour This done, the delivery arranged for the beginning of November – 3 Sprinter vans leaving York for Oxfordshire.
Jamie and Darren, Oak By Design’s Production Manager, managed to make another visit to see Justin and Ben before the build started, but after the oak and glazing was on site.
Justin couldn’t wait for the sunroom finishing, sending Joanne plenty of updates as Ben completed various stages. These are shown below.
Finally, with the sunroom installed, the couple said “We completely love the room and actually don’t need the rest of the house as it’s where we spend all our time now!”
The addition of a new puppy, Molly, made the home perfect!
After living in their finished home for a few years, they’ve only gone and put the house on the market!!!!!
They have more plans. They want to downsize to another home locally, but if possible, try and buy a Northumberland home where they can spend time in the area they both love.
We wish them all the best with their new plans, and as they’re hoping to add a sunroom to their home, this might not be the last we see of this home improving pair!
If you'd like to see their house details, see here
Oak conservatories have emerged as a quintessential architectural addition, elegance and sophistication. This timeless structure seamlessly blends with any landscape, augmenting the aesthetics of both traditional and contemporary settings. The unparalleled charm of oak conservatories lies in their ability to harmonise with nature, creating a sanctuary that encapsulates tranquility.
One notable advantage of oak conservatories is their exceptional durability. Crafted from robust oak timber, these structures exhibit remarkable strength, ensuring longevity that surpasses conventional building materials. The solid construction not only withstands the test of time but also serves as an enduring testament to masterful craftsmanship.
Moreover, oak conservatories offer an abundance of natural light through their expansive glazing panels. These ethereal spaces become sanctuaries bathed in a soft luminosity during daylight hours, fostering a connection with the outdoors while providing an immersive experience within the comfort of one's home.
Furthermore, oak conservatories seamlessly merge indoor and outdoor living spaces, offering a seamless transition between the two realms. This spatial integration fosters a sense of harmony and unity between architecture and nature—a symphony where boundaries dissolve into nothingness.
In conclusion, oak conservatories are more than mere architectural marvels; they embody an embodiment of grace and beauty that transcends time. Their durability, ability to invite abundant natural light, and seamless merging of indoor and outdoor spaces make them an exquisite choice for those seeking to create a haven within their homes—a sanctuary where one can escape the chaos of everyday life and immerse themselves in serenity offered by nature's embrace.
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.
In the realm of building construction and design, the implementation of effective insulation systems plays a pivotal role in ensuring optimal thermal performance. One such prominent solution is double glazing, which has gained significant attention due to its ability to augment energy efficiency within enclosed spaces. This article aims to explore the fundamental characteristics and benefits of double glazing as a means of retaining heat while preventing cold air infiltration.
Double glazing, also known as a double glazed unit (DGU), comprises two glass sheets that are separated by a spacer bar. The resulting air gap between these panes acts as an insulating barrier, enhancing the window's thermal resistance properties. By effectively trapping air or employing insulating gas fills, this innovative system creates a protective shield against external temperature fluctuations.
The concept of double glazing can be likened to a delectable sandwich - two layers of bread encasing an enticing filling. In this analogy, the glass sheets represent the sturdy bread slices that protect and encapsulate the room's interior from external influences. Meanwhile, the air gap serves as the tantalising filling that ensures utmost comfort by preventing heat loss and cold intrusion.
As discerning building experts, it is crucial to acknowledge the significance of incorporating efficient insulation solutions like double glazing into our designs. Through their exceptional thermal insulation capabilities, these units facilitate energy conservation by minimising heat transfer across windows. By utilising metaphors such as sandwiches with delightful fillings, we can evoke emotional responses in our audience while maintaining an objective academic writing style throughout our discourse on this essential subject matter.
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
