How do I use oak in a contemporary home design?

The use of oak framing as a construction method dates back centuries. Its presence in old, traditionally designed homes can make it seem like an unlikely construction method for modern day projects. However, the use of oak framing has grown in popularity, quickly becoming the fastest growing construction method for self-builders across the UK. Here we explain how creating a modern home using this traditionally classic material is easy to achieve with a few simple tricks.

Stripped Back Design

Today’s modern oak frame homes tend to have a ‘stripped back’ look and are much ‘simpler’ than their traditional predecessors in terms of style. Post and beam oak frame use large, widely-spaced members for structural support allowing for open plan spaces creating a more contemporary look. These popular modern minimal layouts tend to be more affordable too due to their simplistic nature.

Where traditional oak framed homes typically have the frame exposed externally, a contemporary design can be wrapped with little or none of the oak frame exposed from the outside.

Natural Light

Adding bi-fold doors to the back of your property not only adds a contemporary feature but maximises the natural light entering your home. It is also a great way to maximise the illusion of space, making your home appear more open plan and airy. Installing floor-to-ceiling glazing is not only ultra-modern, it also adds to the sense of space by enhancing the natural light entering your home.

Oak Finish

Choosing an uncoloured wax for internal beams or indeed even leaving them bare will help keep the oak light in colour enhancing the feeling of space in the home, making the area feel uncluttered and spacious.

Open Plan Layouts

Open plan layouts are synonymous with contemporary homes and an oak frame can instantly achieve this light and airy look throughout the build. These more modern layouts tend to be more affordable due to their simplistic nature.

Contemporary Features

Mixing oak with contemporary materials such as stainless steel and glass can create a modern aesthetic that brightens up the interior of a building. Key features such as double height spaces, mezzanine decks, galleries and vaulted ceilings can also be incorporated.