Surrey Homes | SH43 | May 2018 | Restoration & New Build supplement inside

SH Restoration & New Build Supplement
A Chartwell Oak garden room exterior
Alex Torikian
Chartwell Oak Buildings
What are the majority of projects you do these days? The
majority of work we do is garages and outdoor rooms, but we
are moving more into glazed oak-frame extensions. They’re
getting very popular and they’re a good replacement for those
plastic conservatories. They are much more aesthetically
pleasing, have a lovely ambience and far better insulation.
Whatever you want to call them – and I’ve heard garden
room being used more - they are a solid construction. All
of the ground works would be the same as a brick-built
extension, with a brick layer and then the timber frame on
the top. The brick height up the wall can be lower or higher,
according to the client’s preferences.
Do you need planning permission? The planning permission
rules are the same as for a brick-built extension, depending on
the distance to the boundary and the extension from house
and height. If you have a big enough gap from the boundary,
it’s classed as a permitted development so you don’t need
planning permission, the same as any other conservatory or
extension.
If people want a large expanse of glass, how does that work
with the oak frame? We glaze externally with an envelope
over the timber frame, because oak moves a lot and shrinks
back as it dries, which can leave gaps which the elements can
penetrate. With modern expandable weather proof materials
between the glazing and then another layer of oak over the
top, it’s neat and tidy and weatherproof. The same with doors,
we can shape the edges of the frame to work with that system
as well.
What is the benefit of a timber-framed extension? It can
really set off a conventional modern house. An architectdesigned
timber extension can lift a bland house into being
something special, whether it’s in keeping with the period of
the house, or a contrast. It’s a matter of personal preference.
People are very aware of oak frames now and the ambience
and character they create.
How do you plan the design of the extension with the
client? We work with an architect in house who can design
the extension bespoke, or with the clients’ own architects.
We can also offer from a range of pre-designed options.
What kind of doors to you use on these projects? We use
glazed oak doors, or you can have other variations.
Do you have any favourites among your projects? I love
them all, they all come out so well.
chartwelloakbuildings.co.uk 01959 447477
A Chartwell Oak garden room interior
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