Quality Sussex oak
Sussex oak is an English type of wood known for its extreme hardness. Because of Sussex soil’s harder layer of clay, roots have to be tougher to make it to underground water. This leads to denser wood. Therefore, Sussex oak, without maintenance, keeps for multiple generations.
We only use the innermost part (QPA) of oak trunks. This central part gives the beams in our constructions its strength and stability. We don’t settle for any less.
For the boarding we mainly use Schottish larch or epicea. This durable wood ages in near the same manner as oak. After some time, it will acquire a soft, silver patina.
Authentic mortise and tenon joints
The load bearing constructions are made up of traditional English mortise and tenon joints. No nails or screws come into play.
At the time of installation, the moisture content of the wood is around 40 to 45%. Up to about 1 year after installation and drying, it drops to 15 to 17%. The oak pins, on the other hand, are artificially dried until they have a moisture content of 5%. The connection with the oak pins of 5% and the oak frame of 40 to 45% causes that after placement in 5 days the pins absorb the moisture from the beams and then swell.
These joints have an incredible load bearing capacity and can’t be dissembled.
Traditional craftsmanship and modern techniques
Before your oak building gets to the preparatory stage, we do a detailed computer load bearing calculation. We calculate the necessary bearing capacity of each beam in the frame to eliminate all risk.
All preparatory work is done in a modern work studio in the English countryside. The combination of traditional craftsmanship with ultramodern production techniques ensures a unique end result.
Before your oak building’s ‘custom construction kit’ begins its travels across the Channel, all parts are test assembled. This is how we make 100% sure no parts are missing.
Thanks to our steadfast focus on quality and the linked checks we are the only company in Europe with a TRADA-membership and a CE mark. Your oak extension or building also conforms to the current energy regulations.
Professional construction
Our own experienced crew builds the extension or garden room. Every detail warrants our attention.
For example, we only allow the concrete slab with extra reinforcements to be poured under supervision.
With hard-fired facing brick – completely custom made – we avoid all contact between the ground and your wooden construction. Rising damp doesn’t stand a chance and your investment will stay in perfect condition for 150 to 200 years.
