Project background

Per & Lisa Arno are self builders committed to an environmentally friendly approach to there steading conversion. Green Oak cruck frames not only fit this brief but create a stunning centre piece to their new project.

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Client

Per & Lisa Arno

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Architects

James Campbell Architects & Environmental

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Finding a builder is proving to be quite hard around Aberdeenshire just now and this was the case for our client Per Arno. Undeterred, he resolved to carry out much of the building work himself – even taking a course in masonry, and so in February we went to site to erect his three raised cruck cross frames and purlined roof.

The green oak cross frames land onto oak top plates, which themselves are carried on a standard timber kit wall – thus raising the cruck frames and giving a high vaulted ceiling whilst not encroaching into the living space. Raised crucks

In fact, this method of landing cross frames or feature trusses on standard timber kits is one that we frequently use in Scotland, where timber kit building is the most common type of new build construction, and is often adadpted to line steading conversions. The versatility of oak timber framing allows it to marry very easily with the kit, and offers new dimensions when trying to create centre pieces or focal points.

Per started this project a couple of years ago and has had to adapt his design to various unforeseen site conditions, such as having to demolish masonry walls which were originally intended to be supporting. We have also worked closely with him to ensure that these changes would not affect the oak frame which we had cut in our yard to the original design.