Heartwood clients include self-builders, aspiring self builders and home owners.

For this project the client wanted a single storey extension to her home. As well as enlarging and remodelling her house, she wanted to create a sheltered courtyard area along with the existing L shaped building.

The client approached Heartwood, asking us to suggest an architect: of the couple we suggested she chose Andrew Dimmer. Heartwood collaborated closely with the client and the architect to incorporate a mezzanine balcony (for an office) into the design of the frame. Full advantage was taken of the stunning views across the glen through the use of a glazed gable.

The client coordinated the overall build with the help of the architect.

Architect – Andrew Dimmer, ad architecture, 7, Castle Grove, Callander
Perthshire FK17 8AZ. 01877 330137
Building Contractor – Inchyra Contracts Ltd.
Haulage and Crane Hire – Ron Boyd Group (who were very helpful in ensuring access to what was an awkward site).

As part of raising the roof on a single storey cottage to create a 1½ storey house, the client also wanted an oak frame extension added to the south of the property to make the most of the views along the glen.

The client knew they wanted an oak frame with exposed timbers and glazing, but they also wanted it to feel part of the existing building. Working within the design constraints established by the client and architect, Heartwood designed and engineered the oak frame. For example: additional timbers were added to the design to create a connection between the old and the new parts of the building. The detailing of the frame was also refined to ensure it worked with the trades which followed, in particular the glazing.

Year of completion: 2009
Scope of work undertaken: Design, construction and installation of green oak trusses with stainless steel tie rods.

Project brief
As part of the conversion of an Edinburgh Town House we were asked to provide the roof trusses for a large extension (16m by 7m). With the input of the client, different design options were considered: a contemporary design was finally chosen to maximise the light from the roof lights.

This project was part of a renovation of an Edinburgh Town House. One of the large extensions to the existing structure comprised a kitchen/dining/living room area to the rear with views and access to the garden.

Heartwood Timber Frames worked in collaboration with the architects and engineers to provide the client with a number of different design options including more traditional king post and queen post trusses. The client eventually opted for a simple and elegant contemporary design with stainless steel tie rods.

The green oak for the rafters was sourced within Scotland. The apex braces were made from air dried oak sourced from England: as the brace was wide but quite thin, air dried timber needed to be used for stability. The steel was fabricated in Perthshire.

The oak was planed with a linseed oil finish.

Dimensions: Room was just under 7 m wide and 15m long. Base of the trusses was about 3.5 m from the finished floor level.

Specific Environmental Measures: Locally sourced green oak.

Year of completion: 2008
Scope of work undertaken: Manufacture and erection of frame.

Project brief
One and a half storey barn with 3 bays, to be used as a store for machinery and woodland products.

Heartwood Director, Richard Wilkinson taught a 6 week course in Derbyshire for Daniel Hayes Farm. Under his supervision, six trainees, with no previous experience of timber framing, produced a 5m x 12m barn.

The frame was constructed from green oak and sweet chestnut, felled and milled by the trainees in the two weeks prior to the timber framing course.

Specific Environmental Measures: Green Oak and Green Sweet Chestnut.

Year of completion: 2008
Scope of work undertaken: Design, construct and install a green oak frame (4.5m x 1.5m).

Project brief
To design and build a green oak timber frame to be used as a barbeque area and garden shed. The building was for a present for the client’s spouse.

Specific Environmental Measures: Locally sourced green oak timber.