Although during the processes of a timber-engineering project we would undertake many tasks, we are first and foremost ‘problem-solvers’.
Our involvement early on in a project can help architects, engineers and main contractors draw on our industry-leading experience – helping us to contribute to a more successful overall solution.
Broomwood Hall School – glue laminated ribbed roof structure
Carpenter Oak & Woodland works within a structured, seven-step process that is designed to channel the project towards an outcome that is achievable technically, commercially and in a timely manner.
A typical project moves through the following stages:
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design feasibility and budget costing
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refinement of design and cost engineering
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design and build contract award
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finalisation of scheme design
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fabrication drawings
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manufacture
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site erection
In more depth, the projects often follow this process:
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Initial exploration – the project is often at a conceptual stage; the architects and engineers are looking for specialist input to get a better understanding of buildability and costs
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Feasibility study – we review and evaluate the concept and identify areas of risk with regard to buildability, structural integrity and cost
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Design team engagement – we collaborate with the project design team and/or establish a specific design team for the structure
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Cost as drawn – we undertake budget costing for the scheme as it is currently drawn or as near as we can practicably get
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Cost engineering – we propose alternative methods of design, fabrication and erection to drive down cost whilst retaining the original design intent
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Confirmation of scheme design – we produce a 3D model using the 2D or 3D information from the design team, and agree the geometry and dimensioning
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Fabrication drawings and connection (or whole structure) engineering – the key to a successful project is continual collaboration with the project engineer and architect to reach consensus and approval of a complete set of component drawings and agreed materials and workmanship specification
While some of our clients prefer to use our experience in all of these areas, equally we may be appointed directly in a design and build contract – no two projects are the same.
Loch Lomond National Park Headquarters, the biggest green timber frame building in the UK, under construction
Benefit more broadly from our expertise
Of course, when you work with Carpenter Oak & Woodland, you’ll assume the highest levels of craftsmanship. But that’s where our expertise starts, not where it ends. Unlike most other timber-framers, our skills in large timber-engineering projects extend beyond just working the timber to a complete, dependable, end-to-end service. So, we’ve developed complementary services such as project management and site erection into core competencies in their own right. And, as with everything we do, we deliver these to market-leading standards.
How we differ from other timber-engineering companies:
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We employ craftsmen trained specifically in heavy timber frame construction, using natural timber. From this experience and skillset they can turn their hand to the most challenging design. Other companies employ component assemblers.
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While we specialise in the smaller more ambitious designs, having such a large, directly employed skilled workforce, we can equally deliver projects that are significantly more ambitious in terms of both scale and complexity.
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Project management – a successful project requires close attention to detail throughout the entire design, fabrication and erection process. Our project managers are dedicated to the project from inception to completion – and work closely with the client, the design team, the main contractor and the other sub-contractors to ensure the smooth running of every project.
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Site erection teams – as a specialist design and build sub-contractor in multimillion-pound projects we deliver a reliable and professional service to the main contractor by keeping all project-critical skills in-house. Our site teams are all experienced and carry CSCS cards with the appropriate skill. We do our own surveying and setting out, core drilling and anchoring, and supply our own access equipment and craneage.
Every site team includes an appointed person, lifting supervisor, SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) professional and first-aiders as an absolute minimum. We never use unskilled external labour.
