oakbydesign
01423 593 794
Julian Farmer, MD of Ambassador Home Extensions, was looking for a quality oak conservatory extension for his clients. He subsequently approached Oak By Design after finding they specialised in oak framework.
Planning permission had been granted for the extension at the rear of the detached, double fronted property. So the plans were given to Oak By Design to create framework.
The oak conservatory was built in order to add a room to the property that would look out onto their beautiful country garden.
The design was for six windows and a pair of Pattern 10 doors. The windows were opening and curved brackets were used internally as a feature. Above all, the clients were keen to incorporate these features into the design. All the glazing was safety glass with an added Planitherm coating.
As a result of various phone calls and emails, final technical drawings were produced for approval. He and his clients loved the design and therefore it was ordered and sent for manufacturing.
When all the components where ready and labelled, this quality oak conservatory was delivered to site for his team to start the installation.
In addition to the oak frame, the oak common rafters are all exposed within the extension, insulated and plaster-boarded between.
Due to the low position of a window on the first floor, the oak orangery roof was designed with 2 hips. This was to maintain the required height within the extension. Otherwise, it would have encroached on the upstairs window. This makes for an interesting roof-line which can be seen in the photo’s.
For the roofing element to work, an interesting rafter detail was devised. Rather than using a birds mouth the base of the rafter, it was cut to sit within it. This means the oak orangery can have the added feature of having a thinner roof. It produces a cleaner appearance making the installation of the guttering an easier task.
To complete the look, engineered oak flooring and skirting board were added. The colour and oiled finish matched the rest of the oak orangery ensuring a cosy and well-lit room was available all year round.
Double glazing, also known as a double glazed sealed unit or DGU, is a popular choice for windows due to its thermal insulation properties. The DGU consists of two sheets of glass that are separated by a spacer bar, creating an air gap. This gap is then filled with an insulating gas, similar to a sandwich of glass bread with an air filling.
One key benefit of double glazing is its ability to retain heat within a room and prevent cold air from entering from the outside. This results in increased energy efficiency and reduced heating costs. By acting as a barrier between the interior and exterior environments, double glazing helps maintain a comfortable temperature inside while minimising the reliance on artificial heating systems.
However, some may argue that installing double glazing can be costly and may not provide substantial savings in the long run. It is true that double glazing typically comes at a higher initial cost compared to single-pane windows. However, when considering the long-term benefits it offers in terms of energy savings and improved comfort, the investment becomes more financially viable.
Research has shown that homes with double glazing experience significantly less heat loss than those with single-pane windows. This translates into lower energy consumption for heating purposes and ultimately reduces utility bills over time. Additionally, the enhanced thermal insulation provided by double glazing contributes to noise reduction, making it particularly beneficial for properties located in noisy areas such as near busy roads or airports.
In conclusion, despite initial cost considerations, double glazing proves to be an effective solution for improving thermal insulation in buildings. Its ability to retain heat and reduce energy consumption makes it an attractive option for homeowners seeking increased comfort and reduced utility expenses over time.
In the realm of construction, the choice of timber plays a crucial role in determining the longevity and stability of structures. Two prominent types of timber used are green oak and air-dried oak. This article aims to explore the benefits associated with air-dried oak, shedding light on its superior qualities as compared to green oak.
One interesting statistic that highlights the advantages of air-dried oak is its lower moisture content. Green oak typically possesses a high moisture content ranging from 60-80%, while air-dried oak undergoes natural drying over an extended period. As a result, air-dried oak achieves a significantly lower moisture content level than its counterpart.
The reduced moisture content in air-dried oak contributes to its enhanced stability when used in construction projects. Moisture causes wood to expand or contract, resulting in movement and potential shrinkage over time. However, due to its lower moisture levels, air-dried oak exhibits minimal movement and shrinkage tendencies compared to green oak.
Air drying requires time for proper seasoning, which allows for gradual reduction in moisture content. On average, air-drying reduces wood's moisture by approximately 25mm per year. Depending on the thickness of timber, this seasoning process can take anywhere from three to ten years. The prolonged period ensures thorough drying, enhancing the durability and strength properties of air-dried oak.
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
