Business Details
39 Years
experience
Timber Frame Specialists in Devon
Carpenter Oak has been designing and crafting exceptional timber structures for over 35 years. As a 51% employee-owned company, we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering to deliver bespoke timber-framed buildings tailored to each client's unique requirements. Our team of skilled carpenters, designers, and project managers collaborates closely with architects and engineers to ensure every project meets the highest standards of quality, sustainability, and structural integrity. We specialise in creating durable, aesthetically striking timber solutions ranging from residential extensions to complex commercial structures. With workshops in Devon and projects across the UK and internationally, we maintain rigorous quality control throughout the design, fabrication, and installation processes.Our commitment to ethical manufacturing practices and FSC-certified timber sourcing underscores our dedication to environmental responsibility. We provide comprehensive support from initial concept through to final installation, including CPD programmes for industry professionals. Our extensive experience with both traditional green timbers and engineered solutions enables us to tackle projects of all scales and complexities. By maintaining direct involvement from our carpentry teams throughout each project lifecycle, we guarantee precision and craftsmanship at every stage. This approach has earned us long-standing partnerships with leading architectural practices and repeat commissions from satisfied clients.
Services
Structural Timber Frame
Architectural Services
Early Stage Design Consultancy
Structural Design Engineering
Frame Fabrication
Installation Services
CPD Programmes
Timber Specification
Garden Rooms
Extensions
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We have 35+ years of specialist experience in timber frame construction
- Our 51% employee-owned structure ensures direct accountability and craftsmanship
- We combine traditional joinery techniques with modern engineering solutions
- We maintain FSC-certified sustainable timber sourcing practices
- Our in-house CPD programmes demonstrate industry leadership in timber education
Associations and certifications
- FSC
Services
Structural Timber Frame
We design and manufacture bespoke structural timber frames using traditional joinery techniques combined with modern engineering principles. Our frames provide durable, aesthetically pleasing skeletons for residential and commercial buildings while maintaining environmental sustainability through FSC-certified materials. The process involves collaborative design development with architects, precise workshop fabrication by skilled carpenters, and expert on-site installation. This approach ensures structural integrity while allowing for creative architectural expression in both contemporary and traditional contexts.
Architectural Services
Our in-house architectural team provides comprehensive design services for timber-framed projects from concept through to completion. We offer planning application support, building control documentation, and detailed technical drawings aligned with RIBA stages. The service includes material specification advice, 3D modelling, and integration of timber frames with other construction elements. By combining structural expertise with creative design, we help clients realise their vision while ensuring practical buildability and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Frame Fabrication
Our Devon workshops employ traditional mortice and tenon jointing techniques alongside modern fabrication methods to produce precision-engineered timber frames. The process includes detailed roof geometry calculations, quality control checks, and logistics planning for efficient on-site assembly. Frames can be supplied as prefabricated components or fully assembled units depending on client requirements. Our carpenters use hand-held tools to maintain traditional craftsmanship while achieving the accuracy needed for complex structural designs.
Installation Services
We provide expert installation of timber frames nationwide, with experience in challenging locations including steep sites and urban environments. Our teams raise over 80 frames annually using specialist lifting equipment and safety protocols. The installation process includes site preparation guidance, on-site assembly by the same carpenters who fabricated the frame, and completion within tight timescales compared to traditional construction methods. We ensure watertightness within days to enable rapid progression to internal works.
CPD Programmes
Our Continuing Professional Development programmes educate architects and engineers about timber framing's technical and environmental benefits. The curriculum covers traditional and engineered timber applications, specification guidance, and case studies aligned with RIBA standards. Workshops provide hands-on experience in our production facilities, allowing professionals to observe frame fabrication firsthand. These sessions combine technical knowledge with practical insights gained from 35+ years of industry experience, supporting informed decision-making in timber structure specification.
People
Luke Copley-Wilkins
Managing Director
With over 15 years at Carpenter Oak, Luke leads strategic direction while maintaining hands-on involvement in complex projects. He champions the company's employee-owned ethos and sustainable manufacturing practices.
Jean-Baptiste Rouvelin
Workshop Manager
Jean-Baptiste oversees production operations, ensuring quality control from design to fabrication. His expertise in traditional joinery techniques contributes to maintaining the company's high craftsmanship standards across all projects.
Adam Milton
Founder and Project Consultant
As founder, Adam established Carpenter Oak's reputation for excellence in timber framing. He continues to advise on complex projects, sharing his extensive knowledge of traditional and modern timber construction methods.
Paul Slemmings
Design Manager
Paul leads the design team, translating architectural visions into structurally sound timber solutions. With 20+ years' experience, he ensures technical precision while maintaining aesthetic integrity in every project.
Nico Laurent
Lifting Operations Manager
Nico manages installation logistics, bringing expertise in raising frames in challenging locations. His leadership ensures safe, efficient on-site operations for projects ranging from rural extensions to urban developments.
Questions
What types of timber structures do you specialise in?
We create bespoke timber frames for residential homes, extensions, garden rooms, commercial buildings, and complex architectural projects using both traditional and engineered timbers.
How do you ensure sustainability in your timber sourcing?
We prioritise FSC-certified timber from trusted European sawmills, ensuring responsible forestry practices while maintaining the quality and structural integrity required for our projects.
Can you work with my existing architect?
Yes, we collaborate with architects at all stages of design and construction, providing technical expertise and detailed documentation to support planning applications and building control submissions.
Do you provide full project management services?
We offer comprehensive support from initial design through fabrication and installation, with optional involvement of our in-house architectural team for complete project management.
What areas do you operate in?
Based in Devon, we work nationwide across the UK and occasionally on international projects, with experience handling installations in challenging locations.
How long does the timber frame installation process take?
Most frames are erected within weeks, with smaller projects completed in days. The speed of installation allows rapid progression to internal works compared to traditional construction methods.
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Reviews (2)
Estelle Edwards
Sep 10, 2018
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Amazing team, fantastic quality product, straightforward journey from start to finish. Cant speak highly enough
Peter Blakesley
Oct 20, 2017
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Can't praise everyone at Carpenter Oak enough for such a fabulous job they have done in designing, making and installing our new Oak Frame. Professional throughout and an absolute joy to work with. Lee, Tristan, Mick, Tom & Jake, to name but a few. Highly recommend.
