Case Study

When you have a stunning garden which opens to the general public but have a range of small sheds used to house potting plants and a summer house at the end which could do with a spruce up, a new oak annex is the answer.

Mr & Mrs Saunders

The Oak‑Frame Garden Annex Nestled at the end of the garden, this new oak‑frame annex blends traditional craftsmanship with modern comfort. Designed as a dual‑purpose space - guest accommodation and a private sauna with a car port at the end which has access from the lane behind - it’s a showcase of how natural materials and thoughtful design can create a retreat that feels both luxurious and homely. Project Details 2023 Sussex 4.7m x 11.26m Gablet Style roof with cedar shingles The Craftsmanship Built using green oak beams and mortice and tenon joints, the annex celebrates the enduring beauty of timber framing. Each beam is hand‑finished, allowing the natural grain and character of the oak to shine through. As the wood seasons, it will develop that signature silver patina - a hallmark of timeless quality. The Design Working closely with our southern partner First Image, we designed a building to suit the clients needs. First Image provided the foundations to the structure including a retaining wall to hold the embankment behind along with finished painting, fit out and decoration. The structure features a pitched roof with gablet gables, exposed trusses and bi-fold doors to the covered seating area that flood the interior with light. The guest suite includes a comfortable bedroom area, en‑suite shower, and a small kitchenette - ideal for weekend visitors or extended stays. Adjacent to the living space, the sauna room is clad in aromatic cedar, offering a soothing contrast to the oak frame. A car port at the rear of the building allows access to the lane behind. Planning Buildings under 4m in height can often be built under permitted development but as this building was technically in front of the principle elevation, which is where the front door was to the original house - it’s since moved putting this building in the back garden. It was decided to apply for full planning rather than risking a long drawn out battle with the planners afterwards as to exactly where the principle elevation is on the house. It’s a strange combination as the original cottage was built side on the the road and the driveway now sweeps around the back garden to the far side of the house leaving this building between the house and roadway. Planning was quickly approved using Plans For Planning and APK Design.

Sustainability Meets Style

The annex is insulated with eco‑friendly materials, roofed with cedar shingles and fitted with energy‑efficient glazing. Solar panels on the roof help power the sauna and lighting, making it as sustainable as it is stylish. The Experience Whether it’s a quiet morning coffee overlooking the garden or an evening unwind in the sauna, this oak‑frame annex transforms everyday moments into something special. It’s not just an addition to the property - it’s an invitation to slow down and savour the good life. The Result Design details were worked out between First Image and Albion Oak with the final CAD drawings for manufacture done by Albion Oak

PDF

CAD Drawing

Assembly Drawing

Groundworks Detail

Key Characteristics and Appeal:

• Aesthetic Appeal: The inherent beauty of exposed oak timbers, with their rich tones and distinctive grain patterns, provides a warm, natural and inviting atmosphere. The traditional craftsmanship, involving mortice and tenon joints, adds character and a sense of timeless elegance. Oak frames can complement both traditional and contemporary architectural styles. • Versatility: Oak-framed entertainment spaces can be designed for a multitude of uses, including: o Entertainment Venues: With open-plan layouts, these can accommodate dining, dancing and even catering facilities, often with bi-folding doors to seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor spaces. o Garden Rooms: Bright, comfortable spaces for relaxation, work, or entertaining, connecting the indoors with the beauty of the garden. o Outdoor Kitchens/Bars: Covered areas for BBQ’s, pizza ovens, and outdoor bars, allowing for year-round al fresco dining and entertaining. o Hobby Rooms: Studios for art, music, or fitness (e.g., home gyms, yoga studios). o Guest Accommodation/Annexes: Providing private quarters for visitors or independent living spaces for older children or family members. o Pool Houses: Offering changing facilities, storage, or shaded relaxation areas. • Durability and Longevity: Oak is an incredibly strong, dense and durable hardwood, known for its resilience against the elements, rot, decay and pests. Our oak frames are crafted to stand the test of time. Green oak, as it dries, gains even more strength. • Sustainability: Oak is a renewable and sustainable building material, especially when sourced from responsibly managed forests. The production and transportation of oak have a relatively low environmental impact and the long lifespan of oak buildings further contributes to their eco-friendliness. • Natural Insulation and Energy Efficiency: Oak possesses natural insulating properties. When combined with modern insulation methods, energy-efficient glazing and airtight detailing, oak-framed spaces can be very thermally efficient, staying cool in summer and warm in winter. • Natural Light: Our designs often incorporate large windows, bi-fold doors and even skylights or roof lanterns to maximize natural light and offer expansive views of the surrounding landscape.

Design Considerations:

We will help with our design team to create the perfect space for your requirements. • Purpose and Layout: We will help to clearly define the primary use of the space to inform its design and layout. Considering how it will integrate with your existing property and whether adjoining rooms need reconfiguring. • Size: Planning the appropriate size to fulfil requirements without creating wasted space is crucial. • Natural Light and Glazing: While large glazed areas are desirable, we will consider the positioning to prevent glare and ensure comfortable temperatures. • Insulation and Heating/Cooling: Essential for year-round comfort. This includes insulated walls, floor, roof and energy-efficient glazing. Options like underfloor heating or air conditioning can be integrated. • Technology Integration: Plan for ample power outlets, reliable Wi-Fi and smart controls for lighting and heating. • Built-in Storage: Custom shelving and discreet storage solutions can help keep the space tidy and functional. • Accessibility: Ensure easy access from the main house, if applicable, with well- planned pathways and entry points. • Matching Existing Architecture: Oak frames can harmonize or contrast with existing homes. Matching roof tiles and brickwork can blend a project seamlessly, while a contemporary contrast can also be a striking solution. • Planning Permission and Building Regulations: Most oak-framed extensions or stand alone buildings if part of the house and habitable will require building regulations approval, covering aspects like structural integrity, insulation, ventilation and fire safety. Planning permission may also be needed, depending on the size and location. Stand alone buildings in the garden are often exempt from Building Regulations. Working with experienced professionals is essential for navigating these requirements.

Cost Considerations:

The cost of an oak-framed entertainment space can vary significantly based on size, complexity, design and chosen finishes. General Range: A typical oak- framed extension can range from £25,000 to £80,000. However a stand alone entertainment space in the garden can work out much more cost effective. Per Square Metre: Expect to pay between £1,600 and £2,700 per square metre for an oak framed extension, a simple oak frame for a covered bar area could cost as little as £5,000 to £6,000. Groundworks and roofing costs will be the same for a brick building as they will for an oak building so with the speed that an oak building can be assembled, the costs can be very comparable and any decent builder would be able to assemble one of our supply on kits.

Factors Influencing Cost:

Size and Design Complexity: Larger and more intricate designs will naturally cost more. Materials: The quality and type of oak, as well as the specifications for windows, doors, roofing, flooring and insulation. Labour: On brick and block extensions, Architect fees (often 8-15% of total project cost) will add a significant cost to the overall project, building contractors, electricians, plumbers and other tradespeople need to be taken into account. On Albion Oak’s buildings, there are NO design costs and we don’t expect to make any profit from work by other trades people. Site Accessibility: Remote or difficult-to-access sites may incur additional costs. We are happy to work remotely on the initial design but we reserve the right to add delivery charges if you ‘forget’ to tell us the project is to be built in Bermuda. Building Permits and Fees: Planning permission and building regulations applications, party wall agreements and surveys / reports required by the local authority. Finishing Touches: Interior and exterior finishes, fixtures, and landscaping.