Business Details
20 Years
experience
Bespoke Green Oak Framed Buildings & Extensions
Established in 2006, Sessile Oak specialises in crafting traditional and contemporary green oak framed buildings, extensions, and structures. Our expertise lies in combining centuries-old carpentry techniques with modern innovation to create durable, bespoke designs tailored to client needs. Based in the Lake District National Park, Cumbria, we serve clients nationwide and internationally, prioritising sustainability through responsibly sourced oak from certified woodlands. Our workshop at Sunnymede Barn, constructed entirely from green oak, reflects our commitment to quality and environmental stewardship. With decades of hands-on experience, including founder Keith Gibson's lifelong dedication to woodworking, we deliver projects ranging from small porches to multi-storey commercial frames.Our approach balances craftsmanship with practicality, using traditional hand tools alongside precision machinery to ensure structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. We actively reduce our carbon footprint by generating solar energy and adhering to strict environmental policies. Every project undergoes meticulous design, workshop preparation, and rapid on-site assembly, guaranteeing efficiency without compromising quality. Our reputation for excellence is built on over 50 completed projects within our purpose-built workshop and numerous accolades for innovative design. Clients benefit from transparent communication, flexible collaboration with architects or builders, and a deep understanding of oak's natural properties, ensuring structures that endure for generations.
Services
Green Oak Framing
Carpentry
Construction
Finishing
Glazing
Carving
Sculpture
Project Design
Workshop Fabrication
Erection Services
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We offer 18+ years of specialist green oak framing expertise since 2006
- Our workshop combines traditional hand tools with precision machinery
- We source oak exclusively from certified sustainable woodlands
- Our founder holds advanced degrees in wood science and forestry
- We provide nationwide service with international project experience
Services
Green Oak Framing
We create custom green oak frames using unseasoned timber joined with traditional mortice and tenon techniques. Our frames form structural elements for buildings, extensions, and decorative features. Each frame combines centuries-old craftsmanship with modern engineering principles to ensure longevity and aesthetic appeal.
Carpentry
Our carpentry services utilise both hand tools and precision machinery for shaping and joining oak timbers. From intricate joints to large-scale structural components, we maintain traditional methods while incorporating modern efficiency. Projects range from small decorative elements to complete building frameworks.
Construction
We provide complete construction services for oak-framed buildings, including workshop fabrication and on-site assembly. Components are pre-shaped in our Cumbria workshop then rapidly erected using crane assistance when required. This method ensures structural integrity while minimising on-site construction time.
Glazing
Our glazing solutions integrate seamlessly with oak frames through rebated joints or external casements. We consider environmental factors and desired aesthetics to determine optimal placement and fixing methods. This ensures weatherproofing while maintaining the structural and visual integrity of the oak framework.
Carving
We offer bespoke carving services for commemorative pieces and structural sculptures. Each creation combines artistic vision with technical precision, using traditional chisels and gouges alongside modern tools. These unique artworks range from small decorative elements to large-scale architectural features.
People
Keith Gibson
Founder & Master Carpenter
With a lifelong passion for woodworking since age 11, Keith holds advanced degrees in wood science and has worked extensively in forestry and carpentry. He established Sessile Oak in 2006 to combine his academic expertise with practical craftsmanship, specialising in green oak framing techniques.
Questions
What defines a green oak frame?
Green oak frames use unseasoned timber joined with traditional mortice, tenon, and dovetail joints. This creates durable structural elements that naturally season and strengthen over time.
How do I commission an oak frame?
Contact us with your project ideas, whether conceptual or detailed. We'll collaborate with you, your builder, or architect to create custom designs tailored to your requirements and budget.
What makes your carpentry unique?
We combine traditional hand tools like chisels and planes with modern machinery. This ensures precision while maintaining the authenticity of centuries-old woodworking techniques.
How are frames erected?
Pre-shaped components are assembled on-site using crane assistance when needed. The workshop-fabricated pieces interlock quickly, forming self-supporting structures within days.
Is sustainability prioritised?
Yes, we source oak exclusively from certified sustainable woodlands and generate solar power at our Cumbria workshop to minimise environmental impact.
Can oak frames include glazing?
Yes, we integrate glazing through rebated joints or external casements, ensuring weatherproofing while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
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Reviews (4)
Esther Neate
Aug 06, 2019
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Sessile oak designed and crafted our green oak veranda. The craftsmanship is awesome, something that is hard to find these days. His design for a difficult location was excellent, and he took the time to visit the site twice to ensure it was what we wanted, and that it would fit the space. I rarely review anything, but the quality of this work is a worthwhile exception. I would highly recommend and definitely use again.
Ellie Baldwin
Feb 03, 2017
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Innovative and imaginative design, sublime carpentry. Can carve a bit too! Some Very Special Talents.
Reflecta Reflecta Signs & Reflecta Window Films
Oct 23, 2015
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Always fantastic to see a true craftsman in action with great attention to detail from initial planning to construction.
Donald Gibson
Aug 15, 2015
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I'm constantly impressed by your skill and reminded of it each time I look at the beautiful tray you made for us.
