Designing, Planning & Commissioning

The main purpose of any oak building design is to create a sound structure and there is a wide variety of frame styles that can be applied to almost any given site or budget. These range from simple post and beam lean-to extensions to complex multi-plane arch and sling braced trussed frames, allowing considerable scope for creativity and visual impact - in other words: the 'WOW!' factor.

Our process aims to produce a final design that is strong, durable, practical and economic, as well as in keeping with its surroundings and pleasing to the eye.

Green Oak Frame Commission Process

When buying an oak frame, there is a choice of means by which a design can be arrived at and an oak frame commissioned. We are happy to build to pre-prepared plans as well as to provide an "in house" design service for smaller frames.

If you already have a finished frame design with Planning Consent and the necessary documentation to satisfy Building Control requirements, fabrication can start as soon as a deposit is received. Where a building or extension design has been produced by an architect who does not specialize in green oak frame design, its oak frame may need to be calculated by a specialist structural engineer with a detailed understanding of its physical properties and jointing.

We advise there be at least one initial site visit prior to fabrication to confirm the suitability of materials, dimensions and common "laying out" points as well as to inspect site conditions and access.

Designing Your Oak Frame

Where a smaller frame is designed by us "in house", we will consult closely with you (or your architect or project manager) throughout the design process, presenting a variety of options through a combination of concept drawings, artist's impressions and increasingly detailed plans to arrive at an individually tailored design. Where a more substantial or complex frame is designed "in house", the design is treated as a separate commission from the frame fabrication and construction. Oak frame design sketches

Throughout this, your needs will be our priority and we will always be guided by them.

In addition to an initial site visit, there is a process of consultation, negotiation with local Planning and refinement by which a working timber frame design is produced. It may be that a design will have to undergo several alterations to meet Planning requirements. As each bespoke frame has its own individual features and location, each commissioned design and frame may involve its own design schedule and construction details.

Once a provisional working design has been arrived at, we will produce a quotation for the fabrication and installation, and arrange the commission of any engineer's documents required by Building Control. The quotation will include details of cost (including deposit), a breakdown of included items and projected schedule.

For more information about pricing and estimates, please read our Pricing & Quotation Policy.

Pricing & Quotations Project Pricing &
Quotation Policy

Project Slot Availability

We will always deal with your enquiry as early as possible. However, it's worth noting that commissions are handled on a "first come first served" basis - during busy periods, enquiries are processed similarly. As we are a small company, priority is given to existing projects so there may be a queue or waiting list, depending upon how busy we are.

For latest project workshop slot availability, times and updates, please see our News & Events page or follow us via our Social Media.

Project Schedule
News & Events

Types of Oak Frame

Oak Frame On Site

Oak Frame Gallery

Oak Frame Menu

Intro

Carpentry

Construction Oak Frame Finishing

Finishing

Glazing

Gallery

Types of Green Oak Frame & Glossary

The diversity of green oak frames is extensive. Being highly versatile, this material empowers designers to explore a wide range of creative possibilities, accommodating various aesthetic preferences and structural demands.

Frame Types & Glossary

Pricing & Quotations

Pricing can vary due to a number of factors. Each quote, as with every project, is unique.
View our guide here.

Pricing & Quotations

Can We Use a Client's Own Timber?..

This is a question we are asked from time to time.
The answer is: "it depends".

Client Sourced Timber

Oak Framed Building Projects

Larch Cottage Nurseries extension frame during construction

Explore the wide range of green oak framed building projects undertaken by Sessile Oak over the years in our Gallery. From simple entrance porches to innovative modern sun rooms to large spacious extensions, we guarantee there's something to catch your eye!

Oak Frame Gallery

Planning Permission

Securing Planning Consent for a project can sometimes take as long as, if not longer than, its commissioning, fabrication and construction.

A positive outcome can often depend as much on the character of a Planning Officer as on the design itself. Planners are notoriously fickle and like to feel "in control of things" so it may be helpful to encourage them to feel included in the design process from the start.

Minor changes to designs are commonplace in areas of strict Planning controls or where a newly appointed Planning Officer feels it necessary to err on the side of caution.

On the other hand, a porch, conservatory or outbuilding may not need Planning Permission. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult with your local Planning office.

Building Control

Building Control regulations ensure that new buildings, extensions and alterations are structurally sound and meet criteria for such things as doorway dimensions, ceiling heights, stair angle, insulation, glazing and fittings.

In England and Wales, a project's approval may be granted by any Building Control Authority. A developer or homeowner wishing to deal with a different authority is free to choose any other.

Where required, a set of structural engineer's calculations will have to be provided for the oak frame. These show that the timber will perform as it should under load and over time.

They are available from a number of independent registered structural engineers around the country who are qualified to provide calculations for green oak framed buildings. All reputable structural engineers carry a level of third party cover.

There are many small structures like porches, garden rooms, garages and some conservatories for which such calculations may be unnecessary. As with Planning, it is always best to seek the advice of your local Building Control office.

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