Learn more from our experts

Have you been dreaming about your very own self-built oak frame home? Tim Crump sits down with James Buchanan, our Turnkey and Custom Build Manager to discuss the latest ‘Help to Build’ Scheme from the UK government that aims to help self-builders to get onto the ladder and fund their self-build.

In this episode, Tim Crump discusses the benefits of offsite production where as much of your dream home is pre-manufactured in a factory setting which helps both the quality and speed of construction. He is joined by Craig Holden, a Business Development Manager here at Oakwrights who talks about his own experience with offsite production in constructing his first self-build project, Manuka Cottage.

In this episode of ‘In the Frame’ Tim sits down with Simon who has recently built an Oakwrights home via the custom build route with his wife Karen. Discover their self-build journey, from deciding to build with Oakwrights and finding the perfect plot to the lessons they learnt along the way.

Join Tim, our Founder, and Jasper, from PYC, the UK’s distributor of Warmcel insulation. They discuss the benefits of building with Warmcel insulation, not only discussing the changing industry and the focus on sustainability but also the benefits you can see in your home.

In this episode on In the Frame, we discuss Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR). Tim is joined by Nick Higgs from System Air who opens the discussion about what MVHR is and it’s essential role in creating the right climate for well-being. They also discuss the benefits of having an easily controlled, energy-saving systems that blend into the home environment.

Designing your home goes beyond just the structural system, it is the interiors that can transform a house into a home that is loved by all the family. Ali Hearn from Ali Hearn Design studios offers her advice on the key factors to consider when thinking about your interior design and the best time to bring in an interior designer. Whether you have a big or small budget, Ali delves into her treasure trove of knowledge to get you started.

In this ‘In the Frame’ episode Tim Crump is joined by the knowledgeable Carlos Melgar, Head of Energy and Sustainability at Cook Brown Energy. Together they discuss the new building regulations that recently came into effect and how they might affect your self-build project both visually and practically now and into the future.

In this episode, Charlie Mills our MD sits down with Dave Tonks who is one-half of PJT Custom Build. Dave Tonks is a project manager and has worked with Oakwrights on many of our oak frame projects in the east of the UK and, together with Charlie, they break down the benefits of a project manager and how they could help you with your self-build. From health and safety to organising trades on site, sit back and enjoy the latest episode.

In this latest podcast, Tim Crump sits down with Craig Holden, one of our Business Development Managers (and self-builder in his own right), and Helen Needham, Head of our Architectural team to discuss heating your home sustainably. There has been a big push towards sustainability in recent years and as the cost of living continues to rise it is more important than ever to factor this into your decision-making process when self-building your dream home. In this podcast, hear how certain choices can affect the design of your self-build project and learn about the recent trends in heating systems.

Tim sits down with Hugh Franklin, Head of Research and Sustainability here at Oakwrights. Timber is widely regarded by the building industry as the most sustainably mainstream building material that you can use. Join them as they follow the journey of your oak frame from the workshop to the build itself and discover how it is a sustainable choice from start to finish.

In this episode, Charlie Mills speaks with Alan Divall from Walsingham Planning about all things planning. In this first part of two, Charlie and Alan simplify planning terminology that you might encounter on your self-build journey, provide some top tips on how to source land, and discuss the different types of planning available that might suit your project. Don’t forget to keep an eye our for Part two where we discuss what happens next…