Traditional vernacular houses have been our core business and are at the heart of our expertise. Paying due homage to the skills and imagination of our mediaeval forefathers these frames are based upon the design and style of the vernacular oak frames found in English towns and villages. 

In general English oak framing is categorised into three principal styles – 1) large square panelling associated with the West and Midlands, 2) close vertical studding associated with the South and East and 3) a later and more rococo design associated with Cheshire and the North. However these are very much generalisations and the designs tends to overlap (they can be further sub-categorised into highland and lowland traditions). Nor do they not take account some peculiar local traditions such as completely rendering the frame in East Anglia and then cutting relief patterns in the render (‘pargetting’).

Because of our extensive knowledge and experience of vernacular architecture we are able to design frames that fit in with specific areas. There is no county in England without examples of oak framing and although some counties have less than others, e.g. Cornwall has the least, even here (in Launceston) examples can be found. This can sometimes be extremely useful in persuading planners to grant planning permission.

The principal characteristic of this style is that the oak is (usually) exposed both internally and externally. This is possible because oak, with its closed cellular structure, is one of the most durable natural materials known to man. It is both naturally resistant to insect and fungal attack and impervious to the weather. It requires virtually no maintenance and is one of the few materials that actually increase in strength with age.