In 2005 Oakmasters produced a number of Beam Casings to disguise unsightly RSJs for a self-build cottage near Alfriston. The 4 bedroom chalet-bungalow was based on Buckinghamshire country style, incorporating a flint and red brick exterior with hand-made roof tiles and leaded light windows.

In this case, building with traditional, timber materials was not a satisfactory option from a structural point of view, and steel girders were used to support the upper floors and roof. With such emphasis on a recognisably traditional appearance it seemed important to find methods to compensate for the unsightly structural RSJs needed within the house. The owner presumed that it would be possible to cover these with some kind of timber component that would fit in with the rest of the interior.

Oakmasters manufactured 6 Beam Casings, made to measure and versatile enough to be used in various different interior locations. At an average size of 30cm sq and varying lengths they feature as a prominent aesthetic element of the entrance hall, staircase and family rooms. The largest beam, a hefty 5.6m long had to be made in two halves and fixed together at the centre with an attractive wrought iron strap. The edges of each casing were rounded and carefully finished, making the joins invisible.

‘The beams actually work as a distinctive feature,’ responds the owner, ‘they appear to support the walls structurally and look magnificent. It works really well.’

To learn more about Beam Casings click here

Contributed by Edward Hamilton