Simon Lewington, Author at Natural Structures

Oct 20

by Simon Lewington in Case Studies 0 comments

Outstanding Outhouse, Ashley

This multi-functioned oak structure has been designed around four key factors: A living area that is insulated and usable throughout the year. A logia style roof extension creating a dry seating area. A ride on mower garage that was easily accessible to the main lawns. Two rear garages. The oak structure has built in Wi-fi & Sonos speakers throughout. Built-in lighting that also provides extra heating. A double sided log burner and bi-fold doors which allows the structure to be opened up and let the outside in. The chimney breast is lime plastered which, when trowelled, leaves a very natural textured finish. This continues the textures running throughout the design. The ceilings are clad in timber with exposed beam rafters to create a lodge aesthetic. The living area is completely surrounded by large overhangs which enable the doors to remain open, no matter whatever the weather. We used limestone saddle stones on the bottom of the vertical free standing posts and black contemporary furniture which creates a contrast to the oak. The final look and feel of the oak structure is one of simplicity and balance. As our client is a very well renowned interior designer, the finished building has […]

Oct 19

by Simon Lewington in Case Studies 0 comments

From Forest to Front Room

For this very special project, the large oak trusses really were the star of the show. We decided on a cruck truss design, not only because we’ve got the technique down to an art, but we thought this style would add something very unique to the build. After our drawings and calculations were given a thumbs up by the client, we sent our request to our mill owners in France. The crux of this project was to find 6 beams that were similar in section size and more importantly, radius. Our fantastic mill owners painstakingly hand-picked the perfect beams for this project. Once the beams arrived at our workshop our artisan craftsmen began work. To match the large oak trusses, we came up with a simpler, smaller design for the kitchen. Again, once this was confirmed with the client, our team manufactured and assembled the two structures simultaneously. Overall this project was a labour of love by both the client and our team. The organic shape of the trusses emphasises the natural form of the oak which creates a truly unique feel to the space. The clients are delighted with the final outcome, as are we, in fact we think […]

Jul 13

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Medbourne Village Riverside

Just a stones throw from the very popular Medbourne post office, a new stone house has been built along the eyebrook riverside. Using the local natural stone, painted timber windows and lots of natural Oak the house looks for all purposes like it has sat in its surroundings for 100’s of years. All of the Oak for the project including Lintels, waisted king post trusses, ridges, complete oak framed garden room and porch were design and built by ourselves just down the road from the site in our work shops in Tur Langton. The differing materials for the project we again kept to a minimum to produce a simple continuity of texture and colour. The roof truss design was built with the intention of using the roof voids as visual and functional space, this was done by use of a traditionally cut roof onto our Oak ridge, purlins and waisted king post trusses. Throughout the build we strategically placed Oak beams and Oak posts to create a less-is-more look, as we wanted this to be a clean bright design with the emphasis on quality and simplicity. The garden room helped form the hub of the house, with the extra open […]

Mar 23

by Simon Lewington in News 0 comments

Cruck Truss

We are in the latter stages of creating this grand Cruck Truss air dried oak frame extension . The extension will feature a full curtain glass window at the front of the structure allowing the beautifully hand crafted curved blades to be fully on show 100% of the time. The organic shape of the trusses will enhance the light and emphasises the natural feel of the room.We are extremely proud of producing this very unique design for the client, in the early stages the brief was for the more standard waisted king post trusses but after a little creative thinking the decision was made to build these beautiful cruck trusses. As we complete the structure we hope to feature this project in our case studies as the finished structure will be truly outstanding.

Mar 22

by Simon Lewington in News 0 comments

Awarded Best of Houzz 2016

We are proud to annouce we have won the Best of Houzz Award 2016. Houzz is the leading platform for home renovation and design. Based entirely on nominations we have been awarded Best of Design, Costumer Service and Photography. The Bespoke Oak building Specialist were chosen by the more than 35 million users that build the Houzz community from among more than one million active home building, renovating and design industry professionals. The Best Of Houzz is awarded annually in three categories: Design, Customer Service and Photography. Natural Structures work was the most popular among the more than 35 million monthly users on Houzz. Customer Service honours are based on several factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2015. Architecture and interior design photographers whose images were most popular are recognised with the Photography award. A “Best Of Houzz 2016” badge will appear on winners’ Houzz profiles, as a sign of their commitment to excellence. These badges help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals in every metro area on Houzz. “Anyone building, renovating or decorating looks to Houzz for the most talented and service-oriented professionals and home professionals recognise the value of professional photography […]

Feb 23

by Simon Lewington in Case Studies 0 comments

Contemporary Multifunctional Outbuilding

Contemporary Oak Framed Extensions This design brief was to create a covered extended double bay garage and workshop with storage above on the 1st floor which is accessed by an internal staircase. To maximise the position and also the potential functions it was opted for a vaulted glazed space that will double up as a gym and summer garden room. This room has air-conditioning plus underfloor heating which will enable it to be used through all seasons. The internal bays that form the majority of the structure are designed to store two large vehicles with the added space for a medium sized workshop area with hand made Oak work benches and shelves to help in the organising of tools and machinery. The lighting externally was positioned to create pools of light to highlight the detail in the oak frame and to also help illuminate the pathway to the rear of the house. The two garage doors were produced by the German door company Horman , each electrically operated with their fobs paired to each door enabling the user to operate each door with the same fob. The colours of the garage doors were ordered to match the aluminium bi-fold doors in dark […]

Aug 11

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RUTLAND OAK COTTAGE CONVERSION

The clients brief was for an extension to this beautiful cottage in Whissendine that would allow us to remove some of the internal walls and to recreate the dynamic flow of the house. With the use of the simple materials and good design we were able to create a beautiful space maximising the properties potential. The use of basic material choices kept to a minimum and exposing original brickwork where possible we were able to retain the character of an age old cottage but with the added affect that is created with an open vaulted roof design. The clients were thrilled with the end result and the transformation of their home.

Outstanding Outhouse, Ashley

From Forest to Front Room

Medbourne Village Riverside

Cruck Truss

Awarded Best of Houzz 2016

Contemporary Multifunctional Outbuilding

RUTLAND OAK COTTAGE CONVERSION

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