Suffolk timber frame

This particular project first came to our attention when an article appeared in the SPAB (Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) magazine in early 2006. Sadly the owners original Grade II thatched house had burned out to a shell.

Project background

Cleary the owners of Money Pot Hill Farm were thrown into a situation that none of us would wish to experience. Having lost their home and most of their belongings they had to embark on the rebuilding of a home on the site of a Grade II listed property. Little did they know that even getting permission to demolish the charred remains would prove challenging!

Architects

The Whitworth Co- Partnership

Before the fire The cottage before the devestating fire

After the fire The sad remians

Despite the desperate situation in which the owners found themselves they soon determined to build a house that, whilst reminiscent of their previous cottage could never be accused of being a pastiche. The search for an architect quickly followed as did discussions with timber framers. As luck would have it they spoke to us when they happened to be within a few miles of the Thetford Forest Visitor Centre. A conversation by mobile phone ensued and we were able to help them understand the impact of quality craftsmanship on a frame after several years of service.

Early morning start Early morning consultation before the frame starts to take shape

We built the Thetford Forest frame about thirteen years ago. It was subsequently extended by another company in the last four years. However the contrast between the two frames couldn’t be more obvious. Poor timber selection and workmanship in the newer restaurant area has led to it looking rather shoddy in a very short period of time. Braces cut from straight green timber have split badly, top and bottom plates lifting away from each other at scarf joints and big gaps at joint shoulders because the impact of shrinkage has not be properly considered, were just some of the issues.

First floor level

Ground floor wall frames and floor beams in place

The client quickly understood the importance of using a competent framer on their new house and the end result speaks for itself. The frame has just been erected on site. The client returned from holiday (having watched progress via webcam) and is delighted with the result. He recently emailed us to say “I took some time out yesterday to have a look at how it all hangs together and was fascinated. I could actually see and understand some of the points you were making in our original calls when I was at Thetford Lodge”.

Needless to say it will have a tiled roof!

Oak truss The first truss swinging into position Complete timber frame The completed frame and our motley crew!The essential topping out ceremony!