Business Details
39 Years
experience
Timber Frame Construction Specialists in Devon
Carpenter Oak has been a leader in timber frame construction for over 35 years, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering. Our employee-owned structure ensures a shared commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. We specialise in designing, fabricating, and installing bespoke timber structures for residential and commercial projects across the UK. Our team collaborates closely with architects and engineers to deliver structurally sound, aesthetically striking buildings. With workshops in Devon and projects nationwide, we prioritise ethical sourcing, FSC-certified timber, and carbon-reducing practices.Our services span from early-stage design consultancy to full project management, ensuring seamless execution. We hold a proven track record in complex installations, including challenging locations like Scottish lochs and London rooftops. Our CPD programmes and technical expertise position us as trusted advisors in timber engineering. We maintain rigorous quality control through every project phase, from 3D modelling to on-site assembly. Our dedication to client satisfaction is reflected in our tailored approach to each unique project.
Services
Timber Frame Design
Structural Engineering
Fabrication
Installation
CPD Programmes
Timber Specification
Architectural Services
Workshop Tours
Project Consultancy
Sustainability Advice
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience in bespoke timber frame construction.
- Our 51% employee-owned structure ensures shared commitment to quality.
- We use FSC-certified timber and sustainable manufacturing practices.
- We offer CPD programmes for architects and industry professionals.
- Our team raises over 80 frames annually nationwide, including complex locations.
Services
Timber Frame Design
Our bespoke timber frame design service combines traditional craftsmanship with advanced 3D modelling. We collaborate with architects to create structurally sound, aesthetically distinctive frames tailored to project specifications. Our team ensures compliance with RIBA stages and provides engineering certification for building control, delivering detailed plans and standard details for seamless construction.
Structural Engineering
Specialist structural engineering for timber projects ensures optimal performance and durability. Our engineers provide technical solutions for complex designs, including connection detailing and material specification. We deliver certified structural calculations and collaborate with architects to balance design intent with practical buildability across residential and commercial developments.
Fabrication
Timber frame fabrication occurs in our Devon workshops using traditional mortice-and-tenon techniques alongside modern methods. Our skilled carpenters ensure precision cutting and quality control, preparing frames for efficient on-site assembly. We supply frames with comprehensive documentation, including assembly instructions and material certifications for client transparency.
Installation
Professional installation services cover nationwide projects, including challenging locations. Our experienced teams raise over 80 frames annually, ensuring safe, efficient assembly of pre-fabricated components. We provide full project management during installation, maintaining quality control from foundation preparation to weatherproofing completion, typically within weeks for most structures.
CPD Programmes
Our RIBA-aligned CPD programmes educate architects and engineers on timber framing's technical and sustainable benefits. Sessions cover traditional and engineered timber applications, specification best practices, and case studies. We offer both classroom-based and workshop tours, providing hands-on insights into our fabrication processes and collaborative design approaches.
People
Jean-Baptiste Rouvelin
Workshop Manager
Overseeing Devon workshop operations, Jean-Baptiste ensures precision in timber frame fabrication. With 15+ years in workshop management, he maintains quality control standards and optimises production workflows for complex projects.
Luke Copley-Wilkins
Managing Director
Leading strategic direction, Luke drives innovation in timber engineering. With a background in architectural design, he ensures alignment between client visions and technical execution across residential and commercial projects.
Adam Milton
Founder and Project Consultant
As founder, Adam established Carpenter Oak's commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability. He provides expert guidance on complex projects, sharing his 35+ years of experience in traditional timber framing techniques.
Juliette Lessware
Marketing & Communications Officer
Managing brand strategy, Juliette promotes sustainable timber construction benefits. She coordinates CPD programmes and client communications, ensuring consistent messaging about our ethical manufacturing practices.
Nico Laurent
Lifting Operations Manager
Nico oversees safe installation of frames in challenging locations. With expertise in logistics planning, he ensures efficient transportation and assembly of prefabricated components across diverse UK sites.
Questions
What services does Carpenter Oak offer?
We provide end-to-end timber frame solutions including design, engineering, fabrication, and installation. Additional services include CPD programmes, timber specification advice, and project consultancy for residential and commercial developments.
Do you work on both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, we handle projects across both sectors, from private homes and garden rooms to large-scale commercial developments, adapting our expertise to meet specific structural and aesthetic requirements.
How sustainable are your timber materials?
We prioritise FSC-certified timber sourced through ethical supply chains. Our sustainable practices include carbon sequestration calculations and recommendations for eco-conscious finishes and insulation methods.
Can you collaborate with our existing architect?
Yes, we work alongside client-appointed architects or provide in-house architectural services. Our team integrates with design professionals at RIBA stages 0-6 to ensure structural feasibility and design integrity.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Devon, we operate nationwide across the UK, with experience installing frames in challenging locations including Scottish lochs, London rooftops, and Dartmoor's steep terrain.
How long does installation typically take?
Most frames raise within weeks, with smaller projects completed in days. The process includes pre-planning with groundworks teams to ensure efficient on-site assembly once foundations are ready.
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