Oak-Framed Buildings
Oak-Framed Buildings, Rupert Newman, The Guild of Master Craftsmen Publications, 2014, 192 pages, paperback.
Who better to author a book on new oak-framed buildings than a carpenter who has dedicated his professional life to the craft of traditional timber framing? Rupert Newman has a degree in naval architecture but realised at an early stage that his true passion lay in building oak structures. He has captured his 30 years of experience in the pages of this book, first published in 2005 and recently revised. Newman’s writing style is conversational and it is an easy book to dip in and out of, helped by being well illustrated across its 190 pages. Aimed largely at carpenters and self-builders, this is not a book on the conservation of historic structures.
The book starts with a brief history of the timber frame, sufficient to give context to what follows. Next comes a chapter aimed squarely at the self-builder, detailing the things those embarking on their own project should consider. There is a comprehensive chapter on the structural design of a timber frame, which is equally applicable to understanding historic timber structures. Computer-generated diagrams and corresponding photographs support the text and help clearly explain structural details and principles. The characteristics of oak as a material are covered, including shrinkage and defects, and the author’s enthusiasm for working oak using traditional methods is well conveyed.
The chapters on the making and raising of frames are where the book excels. Newman’s years of experience, coupled with extensive photographs of carpenters at work, bring the pages to life. The power tools pictured are 21st century, but the techniques and jointing methods are medieval. Newman explains his craft in great detail as only a carpenter could. For example, he takes the reader through the method he uses to scribe two pieces of timber to form the perfect joint. Here the reader is in the mind of the carpenter, understanding the process of transforming the hewn oak pieces into a single entity with structural integrity.
We learn that a skilled carpenter thinks about the position and orientation of the heartwood in every piece of timber. For example, soleplates are faced with the heart pointing down and out of the building in anticipation that the weight of the building when fully erected will flatten them out. Building traditional timber frames is a skill practiced by few and we should be thankful that a carpenter has taken time to record all that he knows.
Raising of the frame is fully described, with practical insight into the techniques employed, both traditional and modern. The terminology is fascinating. Hand raising using gin poles is explained, with the sequence of assembly through to final pegging up. A skip though the latest options for cladding and glazing frames brings the reader back to the 21st century, with useful tips on detailing to accommodate shrinkage in the frame.
The book is likely to be most useful to carpenters, self-builders and designers wanting to understand more about constructing new oak framed buildings in the traditional style. Those wanting to learn about the maintenance and repair of historic timber framed buildings should look elsewhere, but for anyone interested in how such buildings might have been constructed the book is an informative read.
This article originally appeared as ‘From gin poles to pegging up’ in Context 140, published by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) in July 2015. It was written by Simon Malam, accredited conservation architect, Donald Insall Associates.
--Institute of Historic Building Conservation
Related articles on Designing Buildings
IHBC NewsBlog
ICOMOS-CIF 2024 Symposium celebrates 40th anniversary in Venice
It aims to critically review current practices and theories of conservation of built heritage around the world, and more.
HES establishes new national centre for retrofit of traditional buildings
HES plans to develop the centre follows £1m of funding from UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council.
High Court rejects oral appeal against tower block decision in historic Bloomsbury
The request was for a full Judicial Review hearing against Camden Council’s approval of a 74m-high tower block in Bloomsbury.
Mayor of London and Government announce bold plans to transform Oxford Street
Plans include turning the road into a traffic-free pedestrianised avenue, creating a beautiful public space.
Crystal Palace Subway, for 160th anniversary
The remarkable Grade II* listed Crystal Palace Subway in South London begins a new era following major restoration.
National Trust brings nature back to an area twice the size of Manchester in less than a decade
The National Trust has achieved its aim of creating or restoring 25,000 hectares of priority habitat on its land by 2025.
18th-century hospital in York to become sustainable homes
A former mental health establishment founded by a Quaker in 1792 is to be converted into 120 energy-efficient homes in York.
Context 180 Released - Where Heritage and Nature Meet
The issue includes life, death, Forests, bats, landscapes and much more.
Church architecture awards 2024: now open
The National Churches Trust has announced three awards, all of which are run in partnership with the Ecclesiastical Architects & Surveyors Association (EASA).
The essential sector guide includes officers' updates and a foreword by EH Chair Gerard Lemos.