New home builders manage to strike gold with their innovative approach, eventually constructing their long-sought ideal dwelling
A contemporary oak frame home offers a unique blend of timeless natural beauty, robust performance, and energy efficiency, making it an excellent choice for sustainable and aesthetically striking modern living spaces. The Hockaday family in Warwickshire, near Stratford-upon-Avon, recently embarked on such a journey, and their bespoke oak-frame detached house was completed in 2020, just three days before the lockdown.
The Hockaday family was actively involved in the build, with Jamie offering expertise in commercial property and Sonia managing the project. Oakwrights provided the oak frame construction, and main contractor services were handled by a trusted team. Attention to detail was crucial, with 3D visuals from SketchUp used for planning permission and sun-path mapping.
The process of obtaining planning permission was lengthy and involved multiple discussions with local councils, but it eventually went through with a majority decision. The project required approval to demolish a bungalow on the site and replace it with a 'post and beam' style internal oak frame.
The open-plan space of the house has a flow that works well, with a less-is-more approach to the color scheme. Windows were incorporated into all elevations and at differing heights for better views. One of the standout features is the face-glazed vaulted entrance hall, a design element that lifts the house out of the ordinary. Sonia's favorite design feature is the floating oak staircase with glass bannisters, skillfully crafted by a local firm of joiners who hadn't built anything like it before.
Energy efficiency was a priority in the Hockaday family's home. High-performance technologies such as a Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR) system, air source heating, underfloor heating, and a double-sided woodburning stove were integrated to ensure the house is self-sufficient on the power front. In 2021, 40 solar panels were installed, further enhancing the home's energy efficiency.
The house features a spectacular face-glazed gable, bedrooms with Juliette balconies, and a living room situated on the west side of the house, serving as a quiet retreat. To encourage local wildlife, one of the councillors suggested attaching bird boxes to the various buildings.
Sonja recommends staying on top of daily plans for the build to ensure the vision becomes integral to the fabric of the build. She also advises fostering good working relationships by taking an interest in the skills and techniques being employed, and providing cups of tea and treats.
Building a contemporary oak frame home offers exceptional durability, natural beauty, sustainability, and superior insulation properties that reduce heating and cooling costs. Oak, as a dense and strong material, provides a stable structural frame that resists settling, fire, insects, and weather damage, ensuring longevity with relatively low maintenance. Its exposed beams create a warm, inviting aesthetic that improves with age while supporting modern, open-plan designs that maximize natural light and passive solar gains.
Considering an oak frame extension? Check out the guide on the 10 things to know before building an oak frame home to help you make an informed decision.
- The Hockaday family built their bespoke oak-frame detached house with expertise from commercial property and project management, contributing actively to the construction process.
- Oakwrights provided the oak frame construction, while main contractor services were handled by a trusted team.
- Attention to detail was crucial, with 3D visuals from SketchUp used for planning permission and sun-path mapping.
- The open-plan space of the house has a flow, with windows incorporated into various elevations and heights for better views.
- One of the standout features is the face-glazed vaulted entrance hall, a design element that lifts the house out of the ordinary.
- Energy efficiency was a priority in the Hockaday family's home, and high-performance technologies such as MVHR, air source heating, underfloor heating, and a double-sided woodburning stove were integrated to ensure self-sufficiency on the power front.
- In 2021, 40 solar panels were installed, further enhancing the home's energy efficiency.
- The house features a spectacular face-glazed gable, bedrooms with Juliette balconies, and a living room situated on the west side of the house, serving as a quiet retreat.
- To encourage local wildlife, bird boxes were attached to various buildings on the property.
- Sonia recommends staying on top of daily plans for the build and fostering good working relationships by taking an interest in the skills and techniques being employed.
- For those considering an oak frame extension, a guide on the 10 things to know before building an oak frame home is available, helping make an informed decision for sustainable, aesthetically pleasing, and energy-efficient home improvement projects.
