The Oakmasters Blog

Oakmasters' blog is full of useful information on sustainability, self building and oak framing as well as our latest news and case studies. Use the tag system at the bottom of this page to navigate to articles that interest you. We hope you enjoy reading... 

Organic Oak Barn in Sussex

Posted 30th Aug 2016

Having bought a plot on the edge of a national park with derelict farm buildings, Peter approached Oakmasters to design his dream oak framed home, help him secure the planning permission and supply and assemble the oak frame.

Read more

Green Oak Maintenance: splits and cracks

Posted 27th Jul 2016

One of the many advantages of using green oak as a building material is that it is essentially maintenance-free. Here we look at some of the reasons this is the case and also why, in Oakmasters’ opinion, oak-framed buildings should be left to age graciously!

Read more

Summerhouses: what do you need to consider?

Posted 7th Jul 2016

An oak summerhouse is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of life indoors, enjoy your garden from a different perspective and provide a functional additional space, which you can use all year round. Each project is unique, but there are a number of considerations, which are common to all of them. Here we answer some of the most frequently asked questions from our customers.

Read more

Case study: Contemporary Glazed Extension in Surrey

Posted 15th Jun 2016

Set in the beautiful Surrey countryside, this extension exemplifies sophisticated design and the way to combine traditional oak framing with modern glazing methods.

Read more

Green Oak or Air-Dried Oak?

Posted 8th Jun 2016

Architects and builders commissioned to produce oak-framed buildings, along with ourselves, will often be asked by clients why ‘green oak’ is preferable to ‘air dried oak’. There are very good reasons why green oak is usually better and we’ll look at those here – but first it’s necessary to clear up those descriptions ‘green’ and ‘dried’ because they are misleading. In short: green oak doesn’t even have a hint of green in its colouring and dried oak is almost never really dry.

Read more

Professional Advice: Lighten Up! Bring More Light into a Home Using Oak

Posted 25th May 2016

It’s a proven fact that humans feel better in a home that has plenty of natural light. Whether you are planning a new build dwelling or an extension, then using an oak framed design is an ideal way to incorporate more light into a home. Here we guide you through the design basics and reveal some inspirational ways to lighten up!

Read more

Professional Advice: Myths about Using Green Oak in Construction - Busted! Part 2

Posted 25th May 2016

In a previous blog we looked at myths surrounding the use of oak as a building material. Here we examine misplaced concerns about oak in construction, design and maintenance – and see how wood is good!

Read more

Case study: Modern country manor house in Sussex

Posted 18th May 2016

Set in 20 acres of beautiful Sussex countryside, Peter’s modern manor house is the oak framed home he always dreamt of. Built to Oakmasters’ design following Peter’s specifications, it is a fine example of modern oak framing techniques.

Read more