Unsure whether your taste is for traditional oak frame features or if you lean into contemporary design? There are no hard and fast rules – here’s a selection of visual comparisons to inspire ideas.

Glazing

       

The Roberts – Abundant glazing            The Leeches – Cottage windows

The Roberts’ home is designed with a striking wall of glass that floods inside with light and captures far-reaching views. The Leeches’ cottage-style property has small windows with a twist on the traditional roof gable that’s finished with full glazing.

External finishes

          

The Cains – Exposed oak and render                           The Youngs – Brick cladding

Cedar cladding on the front of the Youngs’ house, with brick at the back and painted green joinery, gives the property a fresh, modern look. The Cain’s chose to leave the oak frame exposed on their home and pair with cream render and stone cladding. The design was welcomed by planning because of its sympathetic appearance on the historical site.

Roof design

         

The Pearces – Dramatic eaves with a                   The Hiltons – Dormers and oak frame porch
glass balcony   

The oversized pitched roof that creates the deep bedroom balcony with its glass balustrade, defines the Pearces’ home as contemporary. A symmetrical design with dormer windows and a central oak-framed porch, gives the Hiltons’ property its distinct cottage character.

Vaulted ceilings 

           

The Lawsons – Contemporary              The Campbells – Traditional vaulted ceiling
vaulted ceiling 

For a modern take, like the Lawsons, go easy on oak with less detail but high impact. The rafters are hidden so the drama of the exposed truss becomes the key feature here. The Campbells’ vaulted ceiling makes an equally stunning feature with the whole ‘rib’ roof exposed.

Hidden ceilings 

           

The Goodeys – Hidden ceilings                              The McCarrys – Exposed ceilings

The Goodeys scaled back on the oak in their living room for a cleaner look. This allowed the frame to be a hybrid of oak and softwood for a budget-friendly option. The McCarry’s went all out in their dining room, creating a cosy, tactile space that emphasises the traditional oak frame build methods.

Window and door frames

           

The Tonks – Aluminium window and                       The Palmers – Oak window and door frames
door frames     

Contemporary window and door frames in the Tonks’ home are in modern aluminium that emphasises the oak frame. Choosing wood, like the Palmer’s did, has a more traditional feel. Our glazing systems surface mount to the frame and ‘float’ to protect from movement as the oak frame dries out.

Landings and staircases

           

The Attridges – Glass stair                    The Trewrens – Wood stair balustrades
balustrades      

Glass around the landing and staircase in the Attridges’ home creates a bold modern aesthetic and helps share light and views. The Trewrens opted for chunky wood bannisters to blend in with the oak frame.

Fireplaces

             

The Cains – Unfussy fireplace                                 The Homdens – Inglenook fireplace

The flat front brick fireplace in the Cains’ living room is simple but hints at the traditional with its chunky oak lintel. The Homdens went all out with an inglenook fireplace to create an authentic living room, which reflects their Tudor-style home that’s in keeping with the local area