New oak framed home overlooking Wiltshire countryside

Oak framed homes and houses thankfully need not be pastiches of period buildings. This came as something of a relief to these clients in Wiltshire.

Project background

With land for new buildings a scarce resource under current planning legislation a common route these days is to buy a plot with a property that is ripe for demolition. This was the long term plan for owners of a less than desirable 1970’s bungalow near Corsham, Wiltshire.

Client

Sue and Adrian Ewer

Architects

Batterham Mattews Design

When Sue and Adrian Ewer first approached us about building a new oak framed home on the site of their house in Wiltshire they were prepared to spend months and months in rented accommodation during the building programme. However when architect George Batterham visited the site with us he immediately had other ideas. It was quickly apparent that the best position on the plot was sufficiently away from the existing home as to allow them to continue to occupy it during construction. This would save thousands of pounds in rent and allow them to be close to the project and see it come to fruition.

Construction The new oak frame surrounded by scaffolding next to the existing bungalow

Architects schematics Some of the schematics ready for planning submission

Cross section The graceful oak frame structure using sling braces to give a vaulted ceiling to the first floor rooms

As with many of our clients the Ewers were keen to use traditional materials crafted to a very high standard yet create a living environment that would be light, airy and spacious and they weren’t entirely sure the two requirements could work together. However with our experience for the creative use of oak frame, Georges flair for innovative design and the clients willingness to explore ideas we soon began to develop a scheme that met their needs.

The slingbraces evident in the structure now being completed by the builder

Construction

The frame was erected on the foundations in early January and the builders are now well on the way with the wall and roof build up. Externally the upper level will be clad in timber with the lower half built up in Bath stone. Sue and Adrian are able to see the building progress day by day and are looking forward to moving into their new oak framed home late this year.

Schematic of the east elevation with the glazed oak frame very evident