Oak frame extension

Darren Mahony

Hi guys,
We are hoping to do an extension to our home. We have a 200 year old bare stone house and are trying to think of something different while still being complimentary to the house. The idea of an oak frame extension came up in conversation and while I'm not a tradesman I know a little about bricks and mortar but nothing about about oak framing. If anyone has any experience, can recommend a company etc it would be much appreciated.
Thank you
Darren

kadman

Traditional type oak frame construction is not rocket science.

What is needed is a good carpenter experienced in tradional skills of joint making, and a good structural
engineer with timber frame experience.Also a sawyer that understands what you need in the way of material.

I currently am passing on some of my collection of mags on different joinery crafts, as you can see on my thread " Woodworking Magazines".

There is one magazine there that explains this process very clearly, if you want it, you can collect it, or I,ll post it to you if you want to cover postage.

kadman

better option would be a japanese temple builder, now their methods of jointmaking are unmatched even in modern day joinery techniques.
But where will you get one of them ;-)

Darren Mahony

Kadman,
Thanks for the reply. I think I'll hava to do some digging online to find out some more info as I don't think I'd be comfortable with just any chippie taking on the build. Thanks also for the offer of the magazine and I be very interested in reading up on the subject. If you would like to pn me your address I'll send you a stamped envelope to send me on the magazine.
Thanks very much,
Darren

kadman

Darren Mahony wrote: »

Kadman,
Thanks for the reply. I think I'll hava to do some digging online to find out some more info as I don't think I'd be comfortable with just any chippie taking on the build. Thanks also for the offer of the magazine and I be very interested in reading up on the subject. If you would like to pn me your address I'll send you a stamped envelope to send me on the magazine.
Thanks very much,
Darren

Agreed. You dont want a bog standard chippy.

You want a craftsman thats perfected his skills in traditional methods, and understands working with green wood. Boatbuilders know their green wood, and using the correct joints in curved sections ect.

I,ll pm you on my details. Its a standard size magazine, larger than A4, and the post office can no doubt tell you the correct postage costs for it.

kadman

recipio

The Brits are very fond of this technique. From what I can see you have to commission a factory to cut all the components in green oak and then assemble it on site. Its all traditional mortice and tenon construction and the wood actually tightens up as it dries.
I havn't heard of anyone in the ROI using this technique as we simply don't have much green oak - but I am open to corrrection.

kadman

You would also need an engineer that is happy to sign off on what is definitely an unusual request in
todays construction needs.

Just because similar methods were used in european constructions, as well as japanese,
and have stood for centuries, and continue to do so....... Doesn,t mean we over here are
gonna be happy with it,

we are like that sometimes:P

Vexorg

I had this site bookmarked from sometime ago, maybe they can assist.

http://www.woodwrights.ie/

Double Barrel

Plus one on Kadman's structural engineer recommendation.
I would recommend engaging an architect even if the project is small, since the benefits of a good design with professional drawings is not just a requirement of building control legislation but also smooths the whole building process for the various contractors and suppliers, ensuring less chance of unexpected costs and a timely completion. Professional project management, by the architect or others, is also advisable, although many self-builders fill this role themselves and do an excellent job.
The final frame design should come with a specialist engineering certificate and full calculations which tends to make the process smoother for the granting agency.
Good luck.


http://www.woodwrights.ie
http://www.heavytimberwork.com/index.php
Ballytarsna Castle Roof Restoration, Ireland

Ned Wall - Walls Sawmill
Ballycullane, New Ross, Co. Wexford
http://www.wallssawmill.ie/index.html

Somerscales sawmill in Lincolnshire
http://stuartsomerscales.com

deandean

I had a discussion and I got a ballpark price from a company in the north about 5 years ago for the oak frame for a 400 sq ft extension. they would supply and erect the frame. I was gonna have SIP inner leaf and a concrete block outer leaf. but it was working out too expensive and complicated and in the end I went for standard construction.